§ 15. Mr. Croninasked the Paymaster-General what is the present target figure of coal output by the National Coal Board for 1965; and what he envisages will be the total national requirement of fuel of all kinds in 1965, expressed in terms of millions of tons of coal.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Sir Ian Horobin)The National Coal Board is at present reviewing its long-term plan. As to the 840 second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's statement on 3rd December, 1958.
§ Mr. CroninWill the hon. Member indicate whether the National Coal Board intends to review its figures upwards or downwards?
§ Sir I. HorobinIt is reviewing it; and until it has reviewed it, it does not know what the review will be.
§ Mr. CroninIs it not common knowledge that the National Coal Board has greatly reduced its target figure for 1965? Does not that indicate that the Government have completely abandoned their ideas of the economic expansion which they had in the days of the Lord Privy Seal when he talked about doubling the standard of living?
§ Sir I. HorobinNo, Sir.