§ 15. Mr. Fitchasked the Paymaster-General what proposals Her Majesty's Government have for recommending that the Coal Board be allowed to increase its annual borrowing powers.
§ Mr. MaudlingAn Order providing for an increase in the borrowing limit in the current financial year will shortly be laid before the House.
§ Mr. FitchThe right hon. Gentleman, I am sure, is aware of the plight of the Coal Board, with 17 million or 18 million tons of undistributed coal in stock, so that obviously money is tied up. When this Order is brought before the House, shall we be able to debate the general situation in the coal industry?
§ Mr. MaudlingThis Order is subject to an affirmative Resolution of the House. What we are allowed to debate is a matter for you, Mr. Speaker, and not for me.
§ Mr. GowerWhile so many of these nationalised industries are facing great problems, is it not folly to add other industries to the nationalised industries?