§ 11. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has taken note of the report prepared by the experts of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation urging long-term investment in the coal industries of the member countries, including the United Kingdom, and drawing attention to the dangers of the popular misconception that nuclear energy will largely replace coal in the near future; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesYes, Sir. I consider this a most valuable report. It convincingly demonstrates the essential part that coal must continue to play in the economic life of Western Europe for many years to come, and confirms the need for further investment in the British coal industry.
§ Mr. PalmerI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that answer. Is he making any progress in spreading knowledge on these subjects among hon. Members on the benches below him, and will he say what progress he has made?