§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the Government 710W support the submissions of the National Coal Board to the EEC seeking protection from imports of cheaper coal from outside the EEC, the subsidy of sales and stockpiling of power station coal and the subsidy of new coal-fired electricity generating capacity; and whether he will make a statement of the Government's policy on each of these proposals.
§ Mr. EadieYes: the Government have supported the proposals brought to the Council of Ministers on coal stocking aid, financial assistance for the provision of additional coal-burning electricity generating capacity, aid for intra-Community sales of power station coal and the surveillance of third country imports. Unfortunately to date only the latter has met with acceptance. We shall continue to press the Community for recognition of the vital role of our indigenous coal industries both now and in the future.