§ 31. Mr. David Griffithsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much coal has been carbonised per week in Yorkshire ovens owned by the National Coal Board since 1st January, 1947.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe average quantity of coal carbonised weekly between 1st January and 31st May, 1947, at coking plants in Yorkshire belonging to the National Coal Board amounted to 58,165 tons.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the Minister aware that I am firmly convinced that there would be a considerable increase in output with carbonisation on a full throw-out; and that, furthermore, I am firmly convinced that some of them—even under the coke-oven plant owned by the N.C.B.—are not doing as much as they might do?
§ Mr. ShinwellWe have, on the basis of this weekly average, carbonised 1,250000 tons since the beginning of the year. But I will take note of what my hon. Friend has said and see what can be done.