Mr. Oppenheimasked the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received from the chairman of the National Coal Board regarding the extension of the coal-firing scheme.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe chairman of the National Coal Board has urged that this scheme should continue beyond the end of the year. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has today announced that the scheme will be extended for a further year, and that an additional sum of £25 million will be made available for the purpose.