§ 1. Mr. Wootton-Daviesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent orders for modern machinery to replace obsolete plant in coal pits are being licensed?
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)The supply of modern mining machinery to replace obsolete plant is at present governed by the availability of new equipment. Subject to this, licences are being issued by my Ministry to enable all such demands to be met, and it is hoped that the position will gradually improve.
§ Mr. Wootton-DaviesCan the Minister say what priority this machinery and its replacements are getting?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeA very high priority, and I think there will be a very great improvement in about three months' time.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWill the machines which have been installed at various collieries belong to the colliery companies, or will the State, which has been responsible for putting them in, still have some control over them, after the war?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIn some cases, where they are financially able to do so, colliery companies will purchase the machinery themselves. In other cases they will be assisted. The State will be adequately remunerated and safeguarded at the end of the war.