§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures he is taking to ensure that British Coal's care and maintenance procedures in the 31 pits proposed for closure do not prejudice the outcome of his reviews; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarCoaling and development work is continuing at the 21 pits subject to the coal review so there can be no question of the outcome of that review being prejudiced. British Coal has given frequent assurances in correspondence, to the Trade and Industry and 551W Employment Select Committees, and in court that it is preserving the fabric of the 10 pits so that if, at the end of the period of consultation, it is decided to keep any or all of them open, that will be possible. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has asked Boyds to report on whether the fabric of the 10 pits is being preserved in accordance with those assurances.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects Boyds to complete its report on the 10 pits proposed for immediate closure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarMy right hon. Friend has asked Boyds to submit its final report by 15 March 1993. A copy of the full terms of reference of the Boyds study of the 10 pits is available in the Library of the House.