§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will commission an environmental impact study into the consequences of the ceasing of pumping operations from old mine workings in County Durham.
§ Mr. YeoNo. The National Rivers Authority has already carried out an assessment of the problem with the assistance of consultants. The consequences of cessations of pumping are a matter for British Coal to consider in consultation with the National Rivers Authority and other regulatory authorities.