§ Mr. TrickettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what staff resources are currently being deployed by English Partnerships in preparing for the76W acquisition of the Coal Authority's property portfolio; and what is English Partnerships' estimate of remaining staff time to complete these preparations; [33643]
(2) what timetable has been agreed by English Partnerships for the acquisition of the Coal Authority portfolio. [33642]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordEnglish Partnerships is seeking to complete the transfer of a large portfolio of coalfield sites from British Coal at the earliest possible date, subject to the completion of a full due diligence study and an investigation of the title for each of the sites. The portfolio will combine sites that have little or no development potential with more marketable assets, to achieve a balanced package. British Coal is currently considering English Partnerships' proposals. By 31 May, English Partnerships had deployed some 700 staff days in preparing for the transfer of the portfolio. It is not possible to estimate the remaining staff time that will be required to complete the preparations.
§ Mr. TrickettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what financial resources English Partnerships has earmarked for the development of the site at Green lane, Featherstone. [33644]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe former colliery site at Green lane, Featherstone is currently owned by British Coal. It is intended that British Coal will transfer the land to English Partnerships as part of the proposed transfer of a large portfolio of coalfield sites. English Partnerships has conducted a feasibility study for the redevelopment of the site and has devised a strategy for the reclamation and servicing work. English Partnerships is currently undertaking a full scheme appraisal which must be satisfactorily completed before it commits any resources.