§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated loss in the balance of payments, and increased public expenditure consequent on the reduction in the output of, and employment directly in, the coal mining industry, and indirectly on the associated suppliers of equipment and services.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 22 October 1992]: The level of contraction of the coal industry and the implications for 524W the balance of payments and public expenditure, if any, would depend upon decisions reached in the light of the review announced by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.