2Grants in connection with pit closures.

(1)In section 6(3) of the 1977 Act (which defines the period in respect of which expenditure of the Board must be incurred in order to qualify for grants under that section as certain specified financial years of the Board ending with that ending in March 1986) for the words " and 1986 " there shall be substituted the words " 1986 and 1987 ".

(2)The Secretary of State may with the approval of the Treasury, on one or more occasions, by order made by statutory instrument increase or further increase the limit under subsection (5) of that section on the aggregate amount of grants under that section (which at the passing of this Act is £400 million), subject to a maximum of £450 million.

(3)No order shall be made under subsection (2) above unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the House of Commons.