§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his assessment of the number of jobs created by British Coal Enterprise in (i) Clwyd and (ii) the south Wales coalfield in each of the years since its inception; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe information requested is not held centrally.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of the State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of British Coal Enterprise in Wales.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe Government and British Coal are currently exploring options for the services provided by British Coal Enterprise. No final decisions have been taken about its future.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet leaders of the Coalfield Communities Campaign from Wales to discuss the future of British Coal Enterprise.
§ Mr. RedwoodI would be pleased to consider a request for a meeting.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations he has had concerning the future of British Coal Enterprise in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodI have met with representatives of British Coal Enterprise on a number of occasions this year but have received no other representations.