§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the potential pollution of water supplies to Sunderland and the River Wear resulting from ceasing pumping operations at Easington and Vane Tempest collieries.
§ Mr. MacleanNone. It is for British Coal and the National Rivers Authority in the first place to assess any environmental effects of pit closures in the north-east. This will allow the water companies to assess any consequences for water supplies.