HC Deb 15 May 1989 vol 153 cc103-4W
18. Mr. Meale

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what resources he has agreed with the National Coal Board to allocate for compensation for subsidence.

Mr. Michael Spicer

It is a matter for British Coal to determine the allocation of resources within the external finance limit agreed with Government. At the end of 1987–88 the provision in its accounts for subsidence compensation stood at £260 million. In 1987–88 repair of and compensation for subsidence damage cost the corporation almost £50 million.