HC Deb 19 October 1994 vol 248 cc237-8W
Mr. Tipping

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many companies have made a bid for British Coal's coal interests; how many have bid for each regional package; and if he will name these companies.

Mr. Eggar

There were 18 bidders for the five regional coal companies and the care and maintenance collieries. Details of the bids and bidders are commercially confidential but we have announced the names of the preferred bidders.

Mr. Tipping

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to announce the preferred buyers for each of British Coal's regional packages; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

The preferred bidders for the five regional coal companies and certain of the care and maintenance collieries were announced on Wednesday 14 October. They are: RJB Mining plc for Central North, Central South and North East Regional Coal Companies and Thorne and Ellington Care and Maintenance Collieries; Celtic Energy Limited for South Wales; Mining (Scotland) Limited for Scotland; Coal Investments plc for Annesley Bentinck Colliery; and Tower Employee Buyout Team for Tower Colliery