Written question asked by Joan Ruddock (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 April 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 April 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: How much money has been set aside by (a) the Coal Authority and (b) the Environment Agency for pumping of minewater from abandoned mines in the current financial year and for the next three years. - Inc figs.

Answer: Ms Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money has been set aside by (a) the Coal Authority and (b) the Environment Agency for pumping of minewater from abandoned mines in the current financial year and for the next three years.[24799] Mr. Clappison: In the current year, the Coal Authority has set aside £1.2 million for the costs of electricity for pumping and £0.66 million for maintenance of pumping stations, amounting to a total of £1.9 million. It is likely that the budget for future years will be of a similar order, but will depend on future liabilities or potential savings. The agency has resources of up to £2 million per annum to cover the cost of pumping and treatment of minewater from Wheal Jane, and expects to spend around £6 million over the three years 1996-97 to 1998-99. It has made no other financial provision for dealing with pumping costs, which would normally be borne by the relevant owner or operator.

Secondary information