§ Mr. Yeoasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of the National Coal Board; and what subjects were discussed.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI meet the chairman of the National Coal Board frequently and discuss a wide range of subjects affecting the coal industry.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, when next he meets the chairman of the National Coal Board, he will discuss the consequences of the new accounting procedures whereby the National Coal Board attributes interest charges on capital investment and the costs of subsidence damage to individual collieries and their particular consequences for coal mines situated close to built-up areas; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. David HuntThe accounting procedures applied by the National Coal Board are matters for the board in consultation with its external auditors.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he makes of the effect of the downward turn in oil prices on the National Coal Board's break-even point and on the expected demand for coal; whether he will have to seek to extend the borrowing powers legislation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntIt is too soon to make an assessment of the impact of lower oil prices on the NCB's finances in view of the many uncertainties involved.