§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many companies are being considered for the purchase of British Coal Enterprise subsidiaries; and what criteria will be used against which to judge the suitability of the bids; [21742]
(2) what steps his Department is taking to ensure that workspace is sold to an appropriate purchaser with knowledge of and commitment to the regeneration of former coalfield communities through training and regeneration. [21812]
§ Mr. PageThe sale of British Coal Enterprise is a matter for British Coal. When launching the sales process, British Coal indicated that it would be considering proposals for BCE in the light of its statutory duties and the importance of ensuring continuation of effective assistance to coalfield communities.
The corporation has announced that two management buy-out teams have been identified as preferred bidders for the business funding and outplacement arms of BCE, and that Birkby plc has been identified as preferred bidder for BCE's workplace portfolio.
§ Mr. TippingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent discussions he has held about the disposal of British Coal Enterprise's property portfolio; who is to acquire it; from what date; what steps have been taken to ensure that the new owners continue to meet the needs of coalfield communities; and if he will make a statement. [22605]
§ Mr. PageThe sale of British Coal Enterprise is a matter for British Coal. When launching the sales process, British Coal indicated that it would be considering proposals for BCE in the light of its statutory duties and the importance of ensuring continuation of effective assistance to coalfield communities.
The corporation has announced that Birkby plc has been identified as preferred bidder for BCE's workspace activities. The corporation expects that the sales process will be concluded at or shortly after the end of March 1996.