HC Deb 16 June 1975 vol 893 cc306-7W
Mr. Woof

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what financial help is given by the European Commission for high cost coalfields for reasons of security of supply, including particular coal qualities in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Eadie

None. Such assistance is not provided by the Commission but left to member Governments to provide. However, the NCB has to date received from ECSC funds £70 million in loans at favourable rates of interest for a variety of capital projects.

Mr. Woof

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the British coal industry levy contribution to Community funds for the years 1973 and 1974, respectively.

Mr. Eadie

The National Coal Board's levy payments were £2,257,107 in 1973 and £2,486,647 in 1974.

Mr. Woof

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total amount of money allocated from Community funds to the British coal industry in 1974 for the purpose of (1) technical research, (2) medical and safety and (3) social grants.

Mr. Eadie

I understand that the following levels of grant to the NCB and the Safety in Mines Research Establishment have been approved:

(1) technical research … £2.886 million
(2) medical and safety … £0.544 million
(3) social grants … 4.37 million

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