24/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the European Commission authorised the United Kingdom granting £4 million in operating aid to four coal producing units: - North East Surface Mines (H.J. Banks and Co. Ltd.) (£739,000); - Central surface Mines (H.J. Banks and Co. Ltd.) (£832,000); - Hatfield Colliery (Coalpower Ltd) (£1,157,520); - Ayrshire Coalfields (LAW Mining Ltd.) (£1, 327,000). This aid is intended to cover operating losses in 2001