[Now the Government wants the industry to "break…]
Socialist Organiser1984 1984-04-04Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 9 →
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Now the Government wants the industry to "break even"
by 1987/88. The Board admits this means closures and the loss of 60-70,000 jobs.
But the British coal industry already receives the lowest subsidy in Western Europe. In 1982 total aid per tonne was a mere £4.20 compared to £24.87 in West Germany. With a larger subsidy, the NCB would sell more.
In fact, the industry is being starved of investment and other funds. The 1974 Plan for Coal, which promised financial assistance, has been torn up. The Government does not support a strong coal industry as part of rational. long-term energy planning.
Meanwhile, the Government continues to put a huge interest burden on the Board. The interest charge in 83 was £366 million, or nearly £2 million per pit.. Picket injured by police at Thoresby pit Unsocial hours pay, nearly the lowest workers, must be increased.
Miners' health, safety and working radically improved.
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