HC Deb 20 December 1982 vol 34 cc321-2W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has any plans to limit grants and subsidies payable to the National Coal Board; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Moore

The Government's support for the coal industry reflects a careful assessment of the industry's needs. The Government's aim is for the NCB to return as soon as possible to a position of financial viability in which it will not require deficit grants.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much debt has been written off in the National Coal Board's accounts since 1946; and what is the accumulated loss currently being carried forward.

Mr. John Moore

The NCB's annual report and Accounts for the period since 1947 show that £864.6 million has been written off, and that the capital reserves of the board and its subsidiaries at 27 March 1982 were £100 million.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the financial contribution of Her Majesty's Government to the National Coal Board over each of the past 10 years covering (a) operational grants, (b) social grants and (c) deficit grants.

Mr. John Moore

The annual report and accounts of the NCB covering the 10 years from 1972–73 to 1981–82 show the following grants have been received:

£ million
(a) (b)* (c)
1972–73 15.4
1973–74 109.1 21.0 130.7
1974–75 46.1 82.1
1975–76 72.4
1976–77 11.1 43.4
1977–78 24.0 51.0
1978–79 117.7 54.3
1979–80 29.9 62.0 159.3
1980–81 26.0 80.4 149.0
1981–82 26.8 121.2 428.3
*Line (b) includes £102.9 million grants in respect of the cost of compensating pneumoconiotics or their dependants.