To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his letter to the hon. Member for Linlithgow of I March, ME/PSO/2030/99, if he will make a statement on his discussion with RJB Mining on methane emissions from coal mines. [76678]

RJB Mining are continuing to investigate the proposed Canadian methodology for reducing methane emissions from coal mining and they are in contact with the relevant research bodies in Canada. The Government will continue to monitor progress with these discussions.