35. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Power whether he will forecast the approximate demand by the National Coal Board for home-grown timber for roof support over the next 10 years or any shorter period.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. John Peyton)Requirements for pit timber are a matter for the National Coal Board. I am therefore asking the Chairman to write to my hon. Friend.
Mr. VaneWill my hon. Friend ask the Chairman to give me a certain amount of detail, since, as the National Coal Board is the largest single customer of the whole industry, either public or private, it is important that we should in future have more information than we have had in the past?
§ Mr. PeytonI have no doubt that the Chairman of the National Coal Board will read what my hon. Friend has just said with interest.
§ Mr. PeytonI have no doubt that the Chairman of the National Coal Board will take careful note of what my hon. Friend has said. With interest.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattNo doubt, my hon. Friend sees Lord Robens from time to time. Will he press on him the need to have regard to the business of homegrown hardwood production and to use as much as possible in the National Coal Board's work?
§ Mr. PeytonAs I have said, this is a matter for the National Coal Board. I have no doubt that Lord Robens will bear in mind what both my hon. Friends have just said.