§ 11. Miss Irene Wardasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average annual production of deep-mined coal in Northumberland for 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939 and for 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1950, respectively.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe output of deep-mined coal in 1936 was 14. 4 million tons; in 1939, it had fallen to 12. 8 million tons: the average for the four years was 13. 7 million. In 1945, the output was 9. 5 million; in 1947, pit was 10. 7 million; and in 1950, 12. 1 million. The average for the four years was 11. 5 million.
§ Miss WardCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us the results of the conversations between the Prime Minister and Mr. Arthur Horner over the weekend with regard to the need to have more coal in the north of England than they have at the present time?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat does not arise out of this Question.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe hon. Member asked for a set of statistics. They show that under private enterprise there was a large fall— 26 per cent. —over the period of 10 years and that since nationalisation there has been a great recovery.