HC Deb 22 June 1959 vol 607 cc860-1
52. Mr. D. Griffiths

asked the Paymaster-General to what extent he estimates that there will be economic expansion and an increase of industrial production between 1960 and 1965; what subsequent increase there will be in the demand for coal; and to what extent this will substantially reduce United Kingdom coal stocks.

Mr. Maudling

I would ask the hon. Member to await the National Coal Board's revised estimates of the future demand for and production of coal which it will be submitting to my noble Friend in the near future as part of its review of its long-term plans.

Mr. Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of my Question and say to what extent he estimates there will be economic expansion?

Mr. Maudling

I think that question would be proper to put to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but it has been a great deal more than it was under the party opposite.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Is it not impossible for the National Coal Board to give an intelligent answer about the expansion of its industry until it knows what the Government expect in general expansion of industry?

Mr. Maudling

Does the right hon. Member not realise that the Government cannot tell the National Coal Board for certain how much coal will be wanted unless they are prepared to tell consumers to use coal when they do not want it.

Mr. Griffiths

On the other hand, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Coal Board cannot do that until it gets information, or at least solicits information, as to what the Government think desirable in fuel economy? Is he not aware that there has been stagnation and the industry has been approximately at zero in the main? What are we to do for expansion in industry generally?

Mr. Maudling

I think the hon. Member is a few months late with his supplementary question.

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