§ Mr. Ormeasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what were the total production subsidies to European Coal and Steel Community coal industries in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983;
(2) what was the level of investment finance in European Coal and Steel Community coal industries in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983.
§ Mr. David HuntDetails of Community coal investment and production subsidies for the years in question are shown in theOfficial Journal of the European Community, volumes 24–27, which are available in the Library of the House. The figures make it clear that investment in the United Kingdom coal industry has been about twice the level in the rest of the Community put together. Since production of these figures, France has announced a major programme of reduction in coal producing capacity.