To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he intends to allow the running of Betws colliery to be taken over by the private sector; and if he will make a statement.

British Coal is committed to offering to the private sector pits which it no longer wishes to operate, including Betws. The Government welcome this commitment.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent inquiries there have been from the private sector into the possibility of taking over the running of Betws colliery: and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and I have recently had a number of discussions with representatives of the private mining sector about a range of matters.British Coal is, of course, committed to offering to the private sector pits which it no longer wishes to operate and is keen to begin this process as rapidly as possible.