§ 4. Mr. Nealasked the Paymaster-General, in view of the liklihood that further collieries will be closed, whether he will confer with other Government Departments with a view to the settlement of new industries in the areas affected.
§ Sir I. HorobinMy noble Friend will, of course, keep in close contact on the subject of pit closures with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, who has the primary responsibility for settling new industries in the areas affected.
§ Mr. NealIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this belated conversion on the part of the Government will be welcomed by both sides of the House? May we take it that in future when any colliery closes this co-operation will take place between the respective Departments?
§ Sir I. HorobinI do not know what the hon. Member means by "belated". I cannot remember any period when it was not customary and necessary for the right hon. Gentlemen at the Board of Trade and at the Ministry of Power to keep in close touch on these matters.