§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what changes(a) are planned and (b) have been made with respect to the free coal scheme for miners' families. [22656]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 12 January 1998]: Since liability for concessionary fuel for ex-employees of British Coal (and their dependants) transferred to the Government in March 1995, no changes have been made to the scheme.
My hon. Friend the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry announced on 11 February that it would be premature to introduce new arrangements, and that we are extending the consultation period for a while longer to consider all relevant issues before we make necessary changes.
Our aim is to find a solution to future entitlements which is fair to all concerned, and which complies with EU legal requirements and the Fuel Agreements. We have listened to representations and the views of beneficiaries expressing concern about the entitlements, and have decided to make no change to existing entitlements while full and wide ranging consultations are in progress. Beneficiaries can be assured that they will continue to receive their present fuel type at existing tonnages while the consultations are underway.