§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade to what extent British Coal may take into account commercial concerns over potential competitors in assessing disposal and future sale of pits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarOffering to the private sector pits which British Coal does not wish to keep in production is a matter for British Coal. As the White Paper explains, the Government believe that it is right that where a private sector operator is prepared to take on a pit for the long term that operator should have the opportunity to succeed or fail in the market. In considering bids, British Coal will, of course, have to have due regard to its statutory duties.
Newly licensed mines will have to find new outlets for their production and will not have access to British Coal's contracts with the electricity supply industry.