§ 11. Mr. Blytonasked the Paymaster-General to what extent Her Majesty's Government, in framing their policy of freedom of consumer choice, have made allowance for possible loss of livelihood of miners; and if he will bring before the House a plan to meet this contingency.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe Government take full account of all relevant considerations in their fuel policy.
§ Mr. BlytonIs the Paymaster-General aware that there is deep anxiety in the coalfields because the livelihood of many is threatened and that when the 1960 programme comes out the industry is bound to contract? Will he tell us whether the Government intend to find work for those people who will be casualties of the Government's policy?
§ Mr. MaudlingI recognise, of course, that there is anxiety, but I would ask the hon. Member to await the presentation of the National Coal Board's new plan. I think that to make any comments on the future before that would be a mistake. In the meantime, I think it is a mistake to be too pessimistic about the future of the coal industry. The Government are not.
§ Mr. RobensCan the right hon. Gentleman give us an approximate idea when the plan will be published? Will it be when the House is in Recess?
§ Mr. MaudlingI am afraid that I cannot give any undertaking about that. The plan is pretty close to completion now.
§ Mr. RobensWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations about it to the National Coal Board so that the plan may be published before the House goes into Recess and we can have an 870 opportunity to discuss it, otherwise we shall probably have no opportunity to discuss the plan before events of immense importance may take place in the mining areas?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe Coal Board is not the only party concerned. It has to have quite a number of consultations, as the right hon. Gentleman is aware. I think it would be a great mistake to rush things ahead at the cost of not fully consulting all concerned before the plan is finalised.