§ Mr. Grocottasked 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. EadieGrants 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.