§ 35. Mr. Storeyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will exhibit in the Tea Room, and keep up to date monthly, a graph showing how current coal production compares with the production of a year ago, both in total and per man employed underground?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI shall be glad to consider my hon. Friend's suggestion and to discuss it with him.
§ 37. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can give the reasons for the present fall in coal production in Lancashire; and whether a simliar reduction has occurred in other districts?
Major Lloyd GeorgeAlthough output in this district, as in many others, was low during the summer months, I am glad to inform my hon. Friend that the Lancashire and Cheshire coalfield is in fact increasing its output. In recent weeks production is higher than it has been at any time since early last year.
§ Mr. SutcliffeWhile thanking my right hon. and gallant Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he is aware that it has been reported in the Press that there is a decrease in production amounting to 7,000 tons a week throughout the country, although the increase in mine workers is 4,000?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe hon. Gentleman's Question was with regard to the present fall in Lancashire, but there is no present fall; it is going up. I think that what the hon. Gentleman has got it mixed up with is the comparison of the total production this year with that in the same period last year. While it has improved on the summer it is 7,000 tons a week below last year's production.