HATFIELD COLLIERY CLOSURE

That this House notes with dismay that, despite the Herculean efforts of the work force, its representatives and others to keep open Hatfield Colliery in South Yorkshire, a decision has been made to cease production at the pit with immediate effect; recalls that the trades unions concerned together with many hon. Members have openly and long campaigned for the Government to recognise the needs of the area, industry and the UK energy supply sector, pointing out that in contrast to what little efforts have been made to support UK coal production, the EU Commission has stated repeatedly that monies were available to invest to maintain the pit, providing that the Government would support an application for aid; and calls on the Government immediately to become involved in sorting out the mess its inaction has caused and to invest whatever it takes to help miners and their families recover from the negative effects of closure.