§ 15. Sir Edward Keelingasked the Minister of Labour whether he will give an assurance that the cost of bringing miners from abroad and any other expenses caused by the operations of the National Coal Board will, in future, be debited to the Board and not, like the cost of bringing miners from Italy, paid by the taxpayer.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThere is no present intention of bringing more miners from abroad at Government expense. I am not in a position to enter into commitments about the cost of any such recruitment which may take place in the future.
§ Sir E. KeelingBut has not the commitment already been entered into by the previous Government at the time of nationalisation, when we were all assured—before my right hon. and learned Friend was a Member of the House—that no part of the cost of winning coal would be defrayed by the taxpayer? Why is the present Government not sticking to that?
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe Question asked about our intentions for the future. I have said I cannot commit myself as to the future. For the present I am saying that there is no intention of recruiting further.