§ 52. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet received a reply from the National Coal Board in response to his recent representations concerning the future development at Summerston.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneI have asked the National Coal Board to submit a comprehensive and current assessment of the probable ultimate need for, or the timing of, this project.
§ Mr. HannanThat information was available to the House three weeks ago. 1066 The delay in this matter is quite indefensible. Cannot the Under-Secretary agree that this requires a major Government decision as between the interests of housing, coal and agriculture? Why does he fiddle about with the question and delay a decision?
§ Mr. BrowneMy hon. Friend is not fiddling about with it. This is a very important matter affecting the lives of many people and we think it right to have a comprehensive and current assessment.