§ 18. Mr. D. Griffithsasked the Paymaster-General what general directions he has given to the National Coal Board recently regarding the future of the coalmining industry.
19. Mr. Ainslcyasked the Paymaster-General what general directions he has given to the National Coal Board regarding the future of the coalmining industry with regard to a new coal policy.
§ Mr. MaudlingNone, Sir.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in reply to a previous Question he said that it would be a great mistake to hurry things? Is it not apparent that the time has come when he should hurry matters and let the Board know what the Government decide so that it can get on with the policy for the coming year?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes, but we must not hurry things to the extent of damaging or avoiding consultations which are desirable in this situation.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no possibility of damaging anything by hurrying matters? Is he not aware that not only the national economy but the mining industry has everything to lose by this delay?
§ Mr. MaudlingI agree that one should go on as fast as possible but not so fast that one falls over one's own feet.
§ 39. Mr. Owenasked the Paymaster-General if he will now make a statement on the long-term policy of Her Majesty's Government for the mining industry taking into account the period 1959 to 1961.
§ Mr. MaudlingNo, Sir. I do not consider that a statement would be appropriate in advance of the National Coal Board's proposals for the future development of the industry.
§ Mr. OwenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a member of his party has made a statement concerning a proposal to decentralise control within the 876 mining industry? Is that part of Government policy and can the right hon. Gentleman make a statement accordingly?
§ Mr. MaudlingMy hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary dealt with the matter last week.