§ 51. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Prime Minister what financial and other arrangements have been made for the transfer of the coal mines in the United Kingdom to the State and for their control by the new Controller of Mines; and what changes, if any, will be made in the position of the miners and in their present rates of pay under the new scheme?
Mr. ROBERTSThe Prime Minster has asked me to answer this question. I am 976 not yet in a position to make any statement on the arrangements which the Controller of Coal Mines will propose.
§ Mr. MILLARWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be in a position to make a statement on this very important matter, and is it not desirable that a statement should be made in the House of Commons at as early a date as possible, seeing that an announcement has already been made to the Press?
Mr. ROBERTSI recognise the desirability of an early statement being made, but having regard to the recent appointment of the Controller. I do not think it is unreasonable to ask for further consideration.