British Coal Industrial Death and Retirement Fund

HC Deb 16 May 1996 vol 277 c542W

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the conformity of British Coal's appropriation of the assets of the industrial death and retirement fund with clause 18 of the fund's governing document. [29505]

Mr. Page

The operation of the industrial death and retirement scheme—IDRS—is a matter for British Coal. However, I understand that the chairman of British Coal has written to the hon. Member previously, outlining the corporation's powers under clause 18.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received, and from which bodies, asserting that the British Coal industrial death and retirement fund was intended to be a trust.[29504]

Mr. Page

I have not received any such representations.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to ascertain from British Coal if there was an intention to create a trust or fund when the industrial death and retirement fund was created. [29503]

Mr. Page

This is a matter for British Coal. However, I understand that the chairman of British Coal has written to the hon. Member previously, confirming the nature of the scheme when it was established.