§ Mr. IllsleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions have taken place between British Coal's head of mine service centres and Vista UDM regarding maintenance contracts for proposed recycling plants at Silverhill and Cotgrave collieries.
§ Mr. IllsleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will make a statement on the proposed takeover of British Coal collieries by Vista UDM;
(2) how his Department has been involved in discussions with Vista UDM or British Coal on the future of the mine service centres at Shafton, Bestwood, Tursdale and Ashington.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 18 May 1993]: This is a matter for British Coal. I welcome any serious proposals to take over collieries which British Coal no longer wishes to operate. I know that Vista UDM is in discussions with British Coal over the proposals and I have also met Vista UDM to hear about its proposals.
§ Mr. IllsleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions have taken place between William Hayes, the head of British Coal's mine service centres, and Vista UDM regarding work for Bestwood and Tursdale mine service centres.