§ 57. Mr. Stonesasked the Paymaster-General what general direction he has given to the National Coal Board recently on the level of future production required for home consumption and export.
§ Mr. MaudlingNone, Sir.
§ Mr. StonesIs not the Paymaster-General aware that most mining engineers consider it impossible for the National Coal Board to plan far ahead in its mining operations without being given some idea of what is required of it?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes, but one cannot plan production without planning consumption, and one cannot plan consumption at home, let alone plan consumption abroad.