§ Mr. Barronasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the cost to the National Coal Board of compensating the Central Electricity Generating Board for the preparation of stocking grounds at power stations in the years 1981–82, 1982–83 and 1983–84; and what was the reason behind the compensation.
§ Mr. Giles ShawWhilst the NCB has compensated the CEGB for expenditure incurred in connection with the stocking of coal in excess of the CEGB's commercial requirements in each of the past three years, 1983–84 was the only year in which compensation was required in respect of the preparation of new stocking grounds. The amount involved was some £4.5 million. These arrangements have assisted the NCB to make room in its own stockyards for coal production in those years in excess of market requirements.