§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many coal mines have received less than £10 million of investment since May 1979; and of these how many have received less than £5 million and £1 million respectively.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe National Coal Board informs me that since the beginning of the 1979–80 financial year 89 operational collieries have received investment, including an estimate of plant pool equipment allocated to 277W individual collieries, of more than £10 million. 43 have received investment of between £5 million and £10 million and 37 investment of between £1 million and £5 million. No operational colliery has received less than £1 million. This represents a remarkable record compared with other European countries or with investment under previous Governments.