§ Mr. VazTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will investigate what records of the disposal programme of houses by the Coal Board have been retained by British Coal. [13662]
§ Mr. BattleBritish Coal retains records relating to property sales as long as there remains a prudent commercial reason for so doing. This is generally for a period of 12 years to ensure that British Coal can assess any claims made against it by a purchaser.