§ Mr. Fallonasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much aid has been given since 1979 to the National Coal Board in grants and loans in respect of its Northumberland, Durham and Tyne and Wear operations.
§ Mr. David HuntGrant aid to the National Coal Board since 1979 totals £5,700 million, capital investment by the Board in the same period totals £4,800 million. Assistance is given to the National Coal Board in respect of its operations nationally, and no regional allocations are made.
§ Mr. Clayasked the Secretary of State for Energy how may people were employed by the National Coal Board in the Northumberland and Durham area for each year since 1979.
§ Mr. David HuntThe number of wage earners on colliery books in the north-east area of British Coal at the end of each year since 1979–80 was as follows:
Number 1979–80 33,400 1980–81 32,000 1981–82 29,000 1982–83 26,400 1983–84 22,900 1984–85 21,900 1985–86 17,900