§ 20. Mr. Jack ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made in dealing with water pollution from old mine workings. [33953]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesConsiderable progress has been made, and work to prevent pollution is under way at several sites. In addition, the Environment Agency and Coal Authority have identified a shortlist of abandoned coal mines which are causing deterioration in river water quality. Work is currently in progress to investigate feasible solutions.