HC Deb 13 February 1945 vol 408 cc11-2
18. Mr. E. J. Williams

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has completed his survey of the British coalfields and proposes to make an early announcement of policy on prospective development, new sinkings, equipment and organisation of the mining industry.

Major Lloyd George

The survey referred to is virtually completed, but, as I told my hon. Friend in reply to a Question on 31st October last, before making any statement I shall require to consider also the report of the Technical Advisory Committee. As I stated in reply to a question on 30th January by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Barkston Ash (Colonel Ropner), I expect to receive the last-mentioned report early next month.

Mr. Shinwell

In this technical survey which the Minister has conducted recently, has he consulted the representatives of the Miners' Federation, or anybody on the workers' side, and, if not, why not?

Major Lloyd George

In the survey in the Regions, both sides were represented.

Mr. Shinwell

Do I understand from what the Minister is now saying that the Miners' Federation were represented on the technical committee?

Major Lloyd George

No, Sir. I am saying, in regard to the first part of the Question, what was done in the Regions, where they were consulted. In regard to the second part of the Question, it is a technical committee only, and on the results of its investigation depends what shall next be done, and then, of course, everybody will be consulted.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the Minister suggest that, on technical matters affecting the miners' industry and its organisation, the workers' side has no views to offer?

Major Lloyd George

I do not suggest anything of the sort, and my hon. Friend knows I never would. I am talking about the lay-out of the mines of this country purely on a technical basis, and, for that purpose: I do not think my hon. Friend will quarrel with me in taking the best engineering advice I can get in this country.

Mr. A. Bevan

May I ask the Minister whether, when the report which my hon. Friend is asking for is available, he will make that report and the report of the American investigation available to us so that we may compare them and judge their respective merits?

Major Lloyd George

With regard to our own report, I have already said that it will be published. With regard to the American report, the position is, as has been stated before, that the Government will not publish it,

Mr. Bevan

Are we to have a statement in the House on why the Government do not propose to publish the American report, because that decision is giving rise to extraordinary suspicion?

Major Lloyd George

My hon. Friend may remember that the Deputy Prime Minister, in a very long statement, explained why this report is not to be published, and if it is giving rise—as my hon. Friend suggests, though I do not agree with him—to widespread suspicion in people's minds, the best thing I can say to them is that they should wait to see the report of their own engineers, which will be extremely valuable.