§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will identify the different areas in which additional moneys will now be required by the National Coal Board for 1981 and 1982, setting out the amounts at each item.
§ Mr. John MooreAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State told the House on 16 June, the National Coal Board's external finance limit for 1981–82 has been raised to £1,117 million. Within this revised figure, and subject to the approval of Parliament, grants to the board will be some £450 million, with about a further £100 million of social grants.
The revised EFL reflects the board's total needs for cash, taking into account trading conditions, and all other factors, including the commitments which I gave in tripartite discussions earlier in the year. It is for the board to manage its affairs within the financial resources available to it.