20. Colonel Clarkeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will inform the House how many drift coalmines are at present producing coal; and how many of these were developed in the first three months of 1951.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI have asked the National Coal Board to let me have the information which the hon. and gallant Member desires, and I will send it to him as soon as I can.
Colonel ClarkeDoes the Minister remember that four months ago in the House he said that one measure which would give relatively quick results was the opening of drift mines? Will he try to push on with it, because it does not appear that everything is being done?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe Coal Board have asked their divisions to do everything they can to press on with this matter.
§ Mr. BlytonCan my right hon. Friend say how many drift mines have been closed since nationalisation, for which we have to pay compensation and which are of no value to the nation?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI should like notice of that question.