§ 20. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Paymaster-General what will be the estimated compensation payable this year to the former owners of coal mines scheduled for closure in 1959; and whether he will take steps to ensure that such payments shall cease immediately such closures take place.
§ Sir I. HorobinThe answer to the first part of the Question is "None, Sir". The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan the hon. Gentleman tell us how much has been paid in the past? Whatever the figure, it was too much.
§ Sir I. HorobinThat is very possible, because the figure was settled by a Socialist Government, but I do not think that that arises out of this Question.