§ 2. Sir Ian Fraserasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in the light of four years' experience of nationalisation of the mines, he will institute an independent inquiry into its operation.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI would refer the hon. Member to the statements which I made in debates in the House on 25th October and on 12th December.
§ Sir I. FraserBut does the right hon. Gentleman not think that, without fear or favour and without politics, it would be a good thing for the nation to find out why we cannot get as much coal as we need?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCoal output is increasing rapidly. I have the highest confidence in the new National Coal Board. I am sure it would only hamper it in its work of reorganising and re-equiping the industry if we set up an inquiry now.