Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether in accordance with section 6 of the Coal Industry Act 1994 (a) he has issued any directions to the Coal Authority requiring it to consider climate change when carrying out its functions including (i) the UK’s domestic climate goals and (ii) international climate agreements and (b) if any such advice has been prepared by the Government; and if he will make a statement.

It is the Department’s view that powers of direction can be used in exceptional circumstances and are ordinarily reserved for situations where the Department considers that the Coal Authority has erred in the carrying out of its duties.