In brief: Coal contracts 'to be signed soon'

Michael Heseltine, President of the Board of Trade, said it was likely that new contracts for British Coal to supply the electricity generators would be signed within a few days. Existing contracts run out on 31 March. He said it was essential for the contracts to be in place before he could bring forward the results of his coal review. Robin Cook, Labour's trade and industry spokesman, said the delay was causing uncertainty for miners at 31 threatened pits.