§ Mr. TippingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what level of financial assistance he intends to grant British Coal Enterprise for the year 1995–96; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleBritish Coal Enterprise, as a wholly owned subsidiary of British Coal Corporation, is funded by the corporation. My Department does not provide any separate financial assistance to BCE.
The corporation is eligible for restructuring grant under the Coal Industry Act 1987. This includes financial support for BCE. Proposals for payments of restructuring grant in 1995–96 will be presented to Parliament in the main estimates in the new year.