HC Deb 27 January 1949 vol 460 c1091
24. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when the arrangements for the compensation of coal owners in Scotland are likely to be completed.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)

The District Valuation Board for Scotland, which has to divide between the coal owners in the Scottish coal field that part of the global sum allocated them by the Central Valuation Board, has now been set up. But I can give no estimate of the date when their work will be completed.

Mr. Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction in Scotland about the over generous compensation for the coal owners, and that Sir Charles Reid has appeared on the board of the Fife Coal Company, which is estimated to get £6 million profit? Will he advise other Ministers not to be so generous when it comes to other nationalised industries?

Mr. Gaitskell

I do not think we can re-open the question of compensation under the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act.