HC Deb 03 November 1983 vol 47 c432W
Mr. Barron

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if Her Majesty's Government will raise the subsidy per tonne to the National Coal Board to the same level as its overseas competitors.

Mr. Giles Shaw

No. The National Coal Board's principal overseas competitors are unsubsidised mining companies in the United States of America and Australia.

Less than 20 per cent. of imports come from sources liable to subsidy.