§ 26. Mr. Croninasked the Paymaster-General what general directions he intends to give to the National Coal Board with regard to avoiding closure of further pits.
§ Mr. MaudlingNone, Sir.
§ Mr. CroninDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise how disappointing is his Answer? Is he satisfied that the National 16 Coal Board is adopting a sufficiently aggressive sales policy?
§ Mr. MaudlingI think that the National Coal Board is doing extremely well in trying to dispose of its coal. I am not aware of any proposal for any further closures, other than those already announced.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not the Minister interested in the possible closure of pits? Does the Ministry leave it entirely to the National Coal Board? Does it never enter into consultations with the National Coal Board on what is a matter of social and human interest and, indeed, national interest? Are we to understand from some of the replies given by the right hon. Gentleman that it is the purpose and definite policy of the Government to destroy the nationalised industry?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe fact is that the Government's powers are limited by the Statute, of which the right hon. Gentleman seems to be singularly forgetful.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeDoes it not appear from the Questions asked today from the other side of the House that in the opinion of hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite the National Coal Board is a sort of glorified employment agency and little else?
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is incorrect in assuming that when the Bill was being passed through the House in 1946 it was ever anticipated that the Ministry would divest itself of any responsibility? The Ministry has a responsibility to the industry and to the country.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe responsibility of the Ministry clearly cannot conflict with the basic responsibility of the National Coal Board, laid down at the beginning of the Act, to provide an adequate supply of coal at the appropriate prices.