§ Mr. Aspinwallasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the terms of the assurance about Government financial support for the British Coal Corporation given by his predecessor in an answer on 2 July 1986, Official Report, column 553, to the hon. Member for High Peak (Mr. Hawkins), apply to 1987–88 also.
§ Mr. ParkinsonFurther weakening in the market has continued to put pressure on British Coal's financial position. Nevertheless British Coal still aims to achieve the objective agreed with Government of breaking even for the year 1988–89 as a whole and thereafter generating an increasing surplus on revenue account.
Although I anticipate that this assurance should not be required indefinitely, I can confirm that, subject to Parliament's approving the necessary provisions, the Government will continue to make available funds to enable the corporation to meet its obligations as they fall due during the current financial year to 26 March 1988.