§ 45. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what directions he has issued since he took office to the National Coal Board under Section 3 of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, concerning the decentralisation of management and finance in the coal industry; 484 and what further directions he has under consideration.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydNone, Sir.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhile hoping the Minister will follow the example of his predecessors in making all possible devolution consistent with the national plan of the Coal Board, may I ask if he will make it clear to some of his political friends that he is not in favour of a reversion to district wage agreements or the setting of one district against another in competition; and that the propaganda which some of his friends are carrying out in the coalfields is very disruptive to the present operations of the Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers?
§ Mr. LloydI am surprised that the hon. Gentleman should raise this matter at this time; since I gave a conclusive answer on this subject on 19th November, 1951, which allayed the anxieties in the coalfields.