§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what functions are still administered by British Coal; what functions previously performed by British Coal are now performed by (i) her Department and (ii) the Coal Authority; and when she expects British Coal to be finally wound up. [1695]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 2 June 1997]: British Coal remains responsible for the disposal of its remaining assets (principally property) and for the management of such liabilities as still remain with the Corporation (principally various personal injury claims).
British Coal's liability for the provision of concessionary fuel to ex-employees of British Coal and liability to make certain contributions to the former British Coal, pension schemes, was transferred to the Department in March 1995. The Department has also taken on responsibility for health and injury liabilities of former British Coal employees who transferred to private sector companies and the Coal Authority in respect of their past service with the Corporation.
The Coal Authority was established in September 1994 and has four main functions:
licensing coal-mining operations and granting rights to exploit coal;handling coal-mining subsidence damage claims which are not the responsibility of licensees;managing property interests and historic liabilities; andholding and giving access to information on past, present and future coal mining and coal reserves.It is anticipated that the DTI will take over the remaining management functions of the Corporation by the end of 1997. No decision has been taken on the date thereafter when the Corporation will be dissolved.