§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much of the recent European Coal and Steel Community grant of £18 million to the National Coal Board for underground plant will be spent in Wales:
(2) how much of the recent European Coal and Steel Community grant of £19 million to the National Coal Board for powered roof supports will be spent in Wales.
§ Mr. EadieAn exact answer to these Questions is not possible as the National Coal Board buys much of its equipment for use under a national pool scheme and the distribution of plant and equipment between areas will be determined by needs. But I understand that the Board plans initially to use in South Wales some 8 per cent. of the equipment purchased with both loans—they are loans, not grants.