UK Coal is seeking investment, from various parties including the Government, to fund a managed run-down of its two remaining operational deep mines.

The future of UK Coal is primarily a commercial matter for the company. The Government are considering whether they can contribute to the private sector-led proposals, which aim to deliver a managed closure of the Thoresby and Kellingley deep mines.

I hope to be in a position to update the House on the outcome of these negotiations within the next 48 hours.