CLOSURE OF ELLINGTON COLLIERY, NORTHUMBERLAND

Early day motion 599, tabled 26 January 2005 by Lord Beith (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 53 members.

That this House, following UK Coal's announcement of the closure of Ellington Colliery following flooding, calls on UK Coal and Ministers urgently to examine whether there is any prospect of Government assistance leading to the saving of the pit with its substantial reserves;further calls on Ministers to announce measures to assist regeneration of the area including infrastructure investment and the relocation of Government employment to the area; and pays tribute to the workforce of Ellington Colliery past and present, who have served Britain's energy needs for nearly a century.

Signatures by party: Labour 40, Liberal Democrat 9, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.