§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church Commissioners have had with the management of the electricity companies in connection with the pit closure programme, under the Commissioners' investment policy guidelines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael AlisonThe Commissioners take an active interest in those businesses in which they invest and this includes regular discussions with the chairmen of companies in which they have substantial holdings, primarily to discuss a range of ethical questions. From time to time, on matters where the Church has expressed concern, they can use their position as shareholders to reinforce that concern with these chairmen and this is what they are doing in the case of the proposed pit closures.