§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how much subsidy was given to support nuclear power in Britain in 1981 and 1991; and what were the comparable figures for the coal industry.
§ Mr. EggarNo Government subsidies have been paid to Nuclear Electric plc or British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. Both these companies have since April 1990, been recipients of the fossil fuel levy paid by electricity suppliers. In 1991–92 the amount of money raised through the levy was £1,324 million, about 1 per cent. of which went to renewable generators in England and Wales. Nuclear Electric was a net lender to the Exchequer of £84 million in 1991–92.
The Government have been the customer for research and development and other programmes undertaken by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and has funded those programmes and their consequences.
Responsibility for Scottish Nuclear Limited rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
In 1981–82 and 1991–92 the Government made available to the coal industry financial assistance of 521W £623 million and £585 million respectively. This is made up of deficit grant, operating grant—1981–82 only—social and restructuring grant and payments under the redundant mineworkers payments scheme.