How many colliery owners had to be compensated after nationalisation?

How many colliery owners had to be compensated after nationalisation?

• A. 600
• B. 1000
• C. 1200
• D. 850

Answer: (D)

After nationalising the coal industry, the government had to compensate private owners for the loss of their property rights as the mines moved into state ownership. The figure of about 850 colliery owners receiving compensation reflects how many individual owners and small groups still held private interests in collieries at that time. The amount paid was a one-off settlement arranged by the nationalisation laws, rather than compensation to every worker or to the state itself. In short, roughly 850 private owners were compensated as the National Coal Board took over the mines.

After nationalising the coal industry, the government had to compensate private owners for the loss of their property rights as the mines moved into state ownership. The figure of about 850 colliery owners receiving compensation reflects how many individual owners and small groups still held private interests in collieries at that time. The amount paid was a one-off settlement arranged by the nationalisation laws, rather than compensation to every worker or to the state itself. In short, roughly 850 private owners were compensated as the National Coal Board took over the mines.