§ 16. Mr. McKayasked the Paymaster-General what was the total reduction in the consumption of coal for the 23 weeks of this year ended 20th June; what was the balance of production over consumption for the same period; and what is the estimated balance of production over consumption at the end of the 50-week period beginning on 5th January, 1959.
§ Sir I. HorobinCoal consumption, including exports, in the 23 weeks to 13th June, 1959, was 8.6 million tons less than in the first 23 weeks of 1958. The excess of production over consumption was 3.6 million tons and may be about 7 million tons for the year as a whole.
§ Mr. McKayIs it not correct that in 1957 there was a fall in inland consumption of 5 million tons and in 1958 a fall of 10 million tons and that in the 23 weeks so far this year there has been a fall of 8.5 million tons? If we assume the same average reduction for the rest of the year, there will be a reduction of a further 10 million tons. This will mean that between 1956 and 1959 there will have been a fall of 33.5 million tons. Does that not create a serious situation? 10 Is it also not correct that, allowing for the increased production per man, it takes about 3,200 workers to produce 1 million tons of coal? Therefore, does not the fall in demand of 33.5 million tons since 1956 create a serious position in the coal industry? Does the hon. Gentleman think—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That is much too long for a supplementary question.
§ Mr. SpeakerI think the hon. Gentleman had better leave it at that.
§ Sir I. HorobinIt is not possible to go into a statistical exercise of that length in reply to a supplementary question.
§ Sir I. HorobinThe total is 207.7 million tons, including exports.