DEEP-MINING IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Early day motion 500, tabled 25 November 1997 by David Taylor (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 24 members.

That this House condemns the imminent closure by RJB Mining of Asfordby Mine in Leicestershire; believes that the consequent loss of 550 miners' jobs and one third of the nation's coal reserves is a national scandal; notes that ú1 billion of taxpayers' money was invested in the Belvoir coalfield to access the most environmentally friendly deep-mined coal in Europe; believes that the pit closure demonstrates vividly the cavalier attitude which RJB Mining have taken to miners who have shown great fortitude in making the United Kingdom mining industry the most efficient in Europe, yet are now being summarily sacked; deplores the fact that the pit closure was announced to the Stock Exchange before the workforce and that Asfordby mineworkers were not allowed the statutory consultation period required; deeply regrets the end of deep coal mining in Leicestershire after 500 years and fears that it may be the beginning of the end for the UK coal-mining industry; further notes with astonishment the remarks of Conservative honourable Members, whose party and government rapidly ran down much of the industry, selling the remainder for a pittance and creating a toothless coal authority which is clearly wholly incapable of protecting the nation's strategic interest in having a secure, viable and productive deep mining coal industry.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Labour/Co-operative 3.