HC Deb 10 June 2003 vol 406 c759W
Gregory Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she has taken since May 2001 to prevent the discharges of mine water from abandoned mines. [117484]

Mr. Wilson

Following its establishment in 1994, the Coal Authority, enabled by grant in-aid funding from DTI, has pursued a programme to treat and prevent water discharges from abandoned coal mines. 20 schemes are now in operation, of which four are preventive schemes.

Gregory Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received concerning the prevention of discharges of mine water from abandoned mines in England and Wales. [117485]

Mr. Wilson

I have received no recent representations on this subject.