§ Mr. StevensonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to prevent British Coal from closing down production at Trentham colliery complex.
§ Mr. EggarThis is a matter for British Coal. The corporation has, however, undertaken to preserve the fabric of the 10 pits, including Trentham colliery, listed by my right hon. Friend in his statement on 19 October, which are currently subject to the statutory consultation process. If, at the end of the period of statutory consultation, it is decided to keep any or all of the collieries open, British Coal has assured us that it will remain possible to do so.