§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will commission an inquiry into the consequences of methane emissions from old mine workings in urban areas in County Durham where coal mines have closed.
§ Mr. EggarProcedures adopted for abandoning mine workings are a matter for British Coal. Where British Coal abandons a mine, it undertakes a detailed analysis of the most appropriate measures to be incorporated in the abandonment procedures, having regard to statutory requirements and the safety of employees and the public. As part of this process, consideration is given to the potential for methane emissions and appropriate action taken where necessary.
§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade who will be responsible for the cost of pumping operations in County Durham when the remaining collieries are privatised or closed.
§ Mr. EggarThe allocation of environmental responsibilities in the privatisation process is under consideration. The Government will ensure that British Coal's current role in respect of the physical legacy of historic mining will be continued after privatisation.