HC Deb 25 February 1947 vol 433 cc1884-5
63. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that production graphs kept by most collieries throughout the country show good outputs of coal on Monday and Tuesday each week and general tendencies of a heavy decline on Thursday and Friday; and if he will inquire as to the extent such declines are attributable to the dislike of the miners to Pay As You Earn and make the result of such an inquiry public.

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not the truth that P.A.Y.E. is doing an immense amount of harm to increased production throughout the country? Is it not the case that the Chancellor knows the truth of that, does not like it, and cannot think of a suitable answer?

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir, the fact is that the hon. Gentleman has been misinformed. I have consulted the Ministry of Fuel and Power, which are the authority on these matters, and they entirely disagree with the hon. Member's statement that coal output generally falls on Thursday and Friday. That is not the case, and so the hon. Gentleman's Question falls to the ground.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that output in this House begins to decline by Friday?

Mr. De la Bère

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the graphs I have demonstrate beyond all doubts that what I have said is so, and will he allow me to send him some copies so that he will not dispute what I have said? I would rather have the opinions which have been given to me than the opinion of the Ministry of Fuel and Power.

Mr. Dalton

I should be glad to receive relevant information from any pitman, including the hon. Member.