§ 17. Mr. Fitchasked the Minister of Power if he will state the number of licensed coal mines operating in England, Scotland and Wales; and by whom their stocks are financed.
§ Mr. GeorgeThere are 547 licensed coal mines. The operators are responsible for financing their stocks.
§ Mr. FitchIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that at least in one area of the coalfield the National Coal Board is buying stocks of coal from these private mines, thereby assuming financial responsibility for stocking coal from private industry?
§ Mr. GeorgeWe have no information on that matter, but it will be looked into.
§ Mr. LiptonWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are 1½ million people who depend on National Assistance and that the cost of financing these stocks could be reduced if the National Assistance Board were to increase discretionary coal grants to poor people?
§ Mr. GeorgeThat is an entirely different matter.