I refer to the replies to Question No. 360 of 13 November 2001 and to Questions Nos. 187, 188 and 189 of 14 November 2001.
The consultation paper I have issued recognises that an adequate transitional period would be necessary in the context of any positive decision to ban bituminous coal and petcoke and interested parties are asked in the paper to indicate what they would consider to be an appropriate date for a transition to a national ban on these fuels. No decision will be made by Government until all submissions are fully evaluated.