Part of 2. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:44 pm on 14 November 2017.
I thank the First Minister for that confirmation because, First Minister, we've seen a number of instances where companies involved in the opencast industry have failed to honour their obligation to reinstate sites, either partially or wholly, once activities have ceased. It seems incredible, then, that the company previously owning Ffos-y-fran opencast in Merthyr has been allowed to rescind its guarantee of some £15 million by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. The council instituted, in its place, an escrow account, which the owners will be expected to pay into, thus effectively swapping a guaranteed sum of money to one dependent on the efficacy of the new company. Is the First Minister able to shed any light on what seems to be an extraordinary decision?