§ Paddy TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what new analysis her Department has conducted on the impact of the proposed national emission reduction plan for implementation of the large combustion plants directive on the indigenous coal production industry; and if she will make a statement. [155895]
§ Alun MichaelWith the Department of Trade and Industry, we are continuing to assess the potential economic impact of the introduction of the Directive on the UK coal industry, and on the coal-fired electricity generating industry which is its major market, using both internal analyses and independent research. The aim of this analysis will be to understand the probable available market for indigenous coal under both implementation options and to form an understanding of the likelihood that UK coal producers will be able to fully exploit this available market.
§ Paddy TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions her Department has had with the indigenous coal production industry on the implementation of the large combustion plants directive. [155896]
§ Alun MichaelOfficials from both the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department of Trade and Industry are in continuing dialogue with the UK coal industry regarding the implementation of the Large Combustion Plants Directive. In addition, my noble Friend Lord Whitty, the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Trade and Industry (Mr. Timms) met representatives from the UK coal industry and the electricity generating industry, which is its major market, on 9 February to discuss their key concerns.