§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money has been provided in subsidy to the UK coal mining industry in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement. [168057]
§ Mr. TimmsThe following table shows Government financial support for the coal industry in the financial years from 1994–95 to 2003–04. These figures exclude the impact of debt write-offs and proceeds at the privatisation of British Coal and payments made in respect of inherited liabilities following that privatisation, such as health claims.
As shown, almost £165 million was paid to eligible coal producers under the UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme between 2000 and 2002. In June 2003, the Government introduced Coal Investment Aid (CIA), which aims to create or safeguard jobs within socially and economically disadvantaged areas in the UK by supporting investment projects, which will maintain access to viable reserves. It has a total budget of £60 million available for award over three years. Offers of CIA worth £40 million were accepted by coal producers following the first period for receipt of applications. This will be paid in stages as the projects proceed. The first £0.4 million of payments were made before the end of the financial year. The second application period is now open; it will close on 1 June 2004.
Government financial support to the coal industry Financial year Total grants (£ million) 1994–95 205 1995–96 0 1996–97 0 1997–98 0 1998–99 0 1999–2000 0 2000–01 76.5 2001–02 61.6 2002–03 26.6 2003–04 0.4