Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Adams Excerpts
Thursday 6th June 2013

(11 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Fallon Portrait Michael Fallon
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Let me be clear: this project was not rejected but placed on the reserve list. We are working with our two preferred bidders to take forward the carbon capture and storage competition. Should one of the two bidders drop out, we will of course look again at the situation.

Nigel Adams Portrait Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con)
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Following on from the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood (Mr Spencer), Kellingley colliery in my constituency is a profitable, high-performing deep coal mine with 700 highly skilled employees. Will the Minister update the House on what is being done to ensure its viability?

Michael Fallon Portrait Michael Fallon
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I think my hon. Friend knows that we have been working flat out to help the company to restructure since the fire at Daw Mill. That has involved intensive work with a number of other Government bodies. I understand how frustrating it is for him and, in particular, for those who work in the colliery not to have had an announcement yet, but I am hopeful that we will see progress in the next few days.