§ 38. Mr. Nealasked the Paymaster-General to what extent, in view of the lessened demand for coal, he has authorised the National Coal Board to make changes in capital expenditure and manpower requirements.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe National Coal Board's review of the industry's future requirements is still in progress and has not yet been submitted to my noble Friend. In the meantime, the expenditure of £122 million on capital works has been authorised for 1959.
§ Mr. NealIs the right hon. Gentleman admitting that the Coal Board is still muddling along without a plan? Does 26 he recall that the document issued by the Coal Board, "Plan for Coal", is now three years old? Ought it not to be revised quickly in the light of recent development?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe Coal Board is facing an extremely difficult problem. It is not a question of muddling along at all. The new plan will be available soon, and we shall study it with interest.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsAre we to understand that the Government's policy is that this must be a matter of free choice for the consumer and that, therefore, they look to a price war between these industries instead of co-ordinating them with a national purpose?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe Opposition themselves are not prepared to suggest any limitation of price competition in these matters.