§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What financial assistance has been afforded to the British coal industry since 1997 from the European Commission, the European Coal and Steel Community and the British Government. [HL4754]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleNo operating aid has been paid to the British coal industry since 1997. The European Commission approved on 15 November a UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme, but as yet payments have not been made under this scheme pending approval for specific pits.