HC Deb 13 July 1965 vol 716 cc37-8W
Mr. Clifford Williams

asked the Minister of Power how much money has now been paid to the former colliery owners by way of compensation; and what amount remains to be repaid.

Mr. Frederick Lee

The amount paid in compensation for vested assets, other than mineral rights acquired from the Coal Commission, was £310 million. The outstanding debt of the Coal Board to the Exchequer under this heading is £274 million, but my hon. Friend should take into account paragraph 14 of the Board's Report for 1963–64 and my statement in the House on 1st July.