Dr. John CunninghamTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will halt the sale of British Coal land in Copeland and inquire into the procedure followed; [13154]
(2) if he will ensure that all relevant information is available to all potential purchasers of British Coal land before any sales are concluded; and if he will make a statement. [13156]
(3) if he will set out the guidelines to be followed in the sale of British Coal land; [13157]
(4) what assessment he has made of whether the method adopted to sell British Coal land in Copeland will maximise the return for the assets disposed of; and if he will make a statement. [13155]
§ Mr. PageThe management and disposal of its property is a matter for British Coal. I understand that the corporation has followed a normal commercial approach to the disposal of property in Copeland and related areas, including the provision of all relevant information to all potential purchasers; and that bids have been assessed with a view to obtaining the best terms available for the assets involved, in the light of the corporation's statutory duties.