Clause 103 - Additional powers of the Coal Authority: England and Wales

Part of Energy Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 10:45 am on 21 June 2011.

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Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Shadow Minister (Energy and Climate Change) 10:45, 21 June 2011

What idea does the Minister have of the size of the sector competing within the market beyond the pure coal-mining area of subsidence and the expertise within the UK? In light of his words, how can we guard against the Coal Authority driving out smaller competitors who do not have its prestigious name or weight of expertise? We do not want this well-intentioned and apposite clause driving out existing competition that is struggling to compete with the huge weight of the Coal Authority.