HL Deb 03 December 1984 vol 457 c1203WA
Lord Grimond

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the annual loss of the coal mining industry which has to be met by the taxpayer.

The Earl of Avon

The annual loss made by the NCB, before payment of deficit grant, rose from £159 million in 1979–80 to £875 million in 1983–84, a 272 per cent. increase in real terms.