HC Deb 02 March 1978 vol 945 cc366-7W
Mr. Grocott

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will show for each year since 1972 the grants made to the coal industry in connection with pit closures; and if he will indicate the amount of reimbursement to the electricity and gas boards in respect of the cost of additional consumption.

Mr. Eadie

Grants have been made for pit closures as follows 1972–73: £9.1 million; 1973–74: £17 million; 1974–75: £9.1 million; 1975–76: £9.4 million; 1976–77: £13.3 million; 1977–78: £13.1 million (estimated).

No grants have been made since 1972 to the electricity or gas industries for additional coal consumption. However, a grant of £15.4 million was made to the National Coal Board in 1973–74 to promote the sale of coal for electricity generation and a further grant of £5.4 million is expected to be made in the current financial year for this purpose.

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