HC Deb 02 February 1995 vol 253 c758W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to protect tenant farmers whose farms are being sold by British Coal.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The sale of British Coal's property is a matter for the corporation.

However, British Coal, in considering potential purchasers of the proposed agricultural land, will take every step to satisfy itself that they meet appropriate tests on viability and commitment to the future of the property which they are purchasing. Tenants' rights of tenure are also protected by the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986.