§ 50. Mr. ALBERYasked the Prime Minister what action the Government proposes to take as a result of the failure to co-operate by the Mining Association of Great Britain and the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer my hon. Friend to the report made by the Reorganisation Commission to the Secretary for Mines, and presented by him to this House, in which indication is given of the action which the Reorganisation Commission are taking.
§ Mr. ALBERYIs the Prime Minister not aware of the urgency of this situation, which has already resulted in the importation of foreign coal into this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware that the conclusion which the hon. Gentleman draws is accurately drawn. The Government are fully aware of the urgency of the situation, but certain procedure, as the hon. Gentleman knows, will have to be taken and tested before the Government can take any further action.
§ Mr. ALBERYMay I ask whether the Prime Minister is aware that firms on the Thames have been unable to secure adequate and prompt supplies of suitable British coal?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat question had better go to the Department.