§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment under what authority TECs in coalfield areas are allocating money to private mineowners to reopen pits; what sums of money are involved; and whether the sums of money are paid for each miner employed.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe Department contracts with coalfield training and enterprise councils to implement business plans to help communities affected by pit closures. The plans cover labour market measures in line with TEC remits and provide job search, training and business start up programmes for those affected by the closures.