HC Deb 04 May 1978 vol 949 cc204-5W
Mr. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list in the Official Report those National Coal Board investment projects in Scotland which have received EEC loans under Article 54 of the ECSC Treaty; and what percentage of the total capital sum made available to the National Coal Board in the United Kingdom this represents.

Mr. Eadie

The NCB received Article 54 loans from the ECSC of $46.12 million in February 1976 and $20 million in April 1978. These were related to groups of projects in various coalfields which included two projects in Scotland, Longannet—Bogside—and Seafield—Francescollieries, though the amount related to them cannot be separately identified and, in consequence, neither can its relationship to total United Kingdom investment. The Board has also received loans against its total purchases of underground mobile mining machinery and powered roof supports, some of which have been delivered to Scottish collieries.