asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give details of total coal stocks to the last available date and the cost to the Exchequer of maintaining them.

Total stocks of coal as at 28th October 1978 are estimated at 34·7 million tonnes of which 11·7 million tonnes are undistributed and 23 million tonnes distributed. Stocking aid to the NCB is payable in respect of undistributed stocks and stocks held by the CEGB, the SSEB and the BSC on deferred payment terms. In 1978–79 the Government expect to make grants of £20·5 million to the NCB towards the cost of maintaining such stocks.