§ Ms Estelle MorrisTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the west midlands regional forum of local authorities about the continued existence of British Coal Enterprise after March; and what plans his Department has to continue the financial contribution to job creation which British Coal Enterprise has made.
§ Mr. Charles WardleMy right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy has received several representations from and on behalf of the west midlands regional forum of local authorities about British Coal Enterprise.
The Government and British Coal are continuing to explore options for the range of services provided by BCE. No final decisions have been taken about its future.
§ Mr. TippingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when he last met representatives of British Coal Enterprise to discuss their record and future plans.
§ Mr. Charles WardleMy ministerial colleagues and I meet representatives from British Coal Enterprise as necessary to discuss a variety of issues.