HC Deb 02 March 1987 vol 111 c489W
Sir Alex Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much support from public funds of all kinds has been made available to the coal industry since fiscal year 1978–79.

Mr. David Hunt

Between 1978–79 and 1985–86 Government support made available to the Coal Industry by way of Deficit and Operating Grant, Social Grant and payments under the Redundant Mineworkers Payments Scheme amounted to over £7 billion. It is anticipated that a further £1.5 billion will be made available in respect of 1986–87.