asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied with the operation of the redundancy payments scheme during the closure of Pennyvenie colliery.

I have no reason to think that the operation of the redundant mineworkers payments scheme during the closure of Pennyvenie colliery has been anything other than satisfactory, but if my hon. Friend would let me know if he has any particular problem in mind I will gladly look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he was consulted about the proposed closure of Pennyvenie colliery in the Doon Valley; and whether the matter of compensation for men moving from one pit to another was considered.

No. Colliery closures have always been a matter for the National Coal Board, after full consultation with the unions. The level of compensation paid to men moving within the industry is a matter for negotiation between the Board and the unions.