§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the level of deficiency contribution to the National Coal Board's pension fund in 16W each of the last five years; and what percentage it has constituted of the Government's susidies to the industry.
§ Mr. EadieThe figures are:
Year Pension deficiency payments Total Government subsidy Deficiency payments as a percentage of total subsidy £m. £m. Per cent. 1972–73 Nil 15.4 — 1973–74 8.3 260.8 3.2 1974–75 8.3 128.2 6.5 1975–76 18.0 72.4 24.9 1976–77 28.2 54.5 51.7 In addition there was a £449.3 million write-off of debt in 1972–73.