§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the likely breakdown of the £135 million expected to be the ceiling for operating grants in 1980–81 and £109 million 1981–82.
§ Mr. John MooreThe limit of £135 million and £109 million for operating grants to the National Coal Board in 1980–81 and 1981–82, respectively are, like the other annual limits which the Government has established for grants to the Board, set in 1978–79 prices and need to be revalued to each year's price level.
I expect the following operating grants to be paid to the NCB in respect of the year 1980–81:
£m. Coke Stocking Aid 14.3 Assistance in promoting sales of coal to the South of Scotland Electricity Board 11.7 Deficit Grant 149.1 In addition I am considering a possible payment of coking coal production aid, subject to ECSC rules, within the same total.
I have not yet decided on the breakdown of operating grants in respect of 1981–82.