HC Deb 11 April 1960 vol 621 cc862-4
3. Mr. Fitch

asked the Minister of Power, in view of the fact that privately owned coal mines bore none of the loss involved in the former imports of United States coal, if he will ensure that in future financial liabilities will be fairly shared between the publicly owned and privately owned sectors of the industry

Mr. Wood

The terms on which licences are granted to private operators are a matter for the National Coal Board and the operators.

Mr. Fitch

Is the Minister aware that during the period when the National Coal Board was importing coal from the United States at a financial loss, the private, licensed mine-owners exported 1 million tons of coal at 25s. a ton more than they could have got on the home market? If this situation arises again, will the Minister ensure that both sides bear their fair share of the liabilities?

Mr. Wood

As I have said to the hon. Gentleman, the National Coal Board is responsible for the licences. It would take a number of factors into consideration, and the terms of the licences would certainly reflect the general condition of the industry.

6. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Power how many persons were employed in licensed small coal-mines in England and Wales, respectively, at the latest convenient date.

Mr. Wood

On 26th March, about 2,850 and 1,900, respectively.

Mr. Gower

As these small mines employ large numbers of men and are producing coal economically, and as the reduction of National Coal Board mines in production is to be only 7½ per cent. in the United Kingdom with none at all in South Wales, where production is to be increased, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that both the royalties to be extorted and the enormous cut-back in production are unreasonable when one has in mind the long-term problem? Does he think that the system of licensing, in which the Board is really judge in its own cause, is the happiest arrangement that we could have? Will he consider legislation to alter this?

Mr. Wood

On the general question, I do not think I can add to what I said to my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Mr. Speir) in the Adjournment debate last week. With regard to the details of the matter, discussions are still continuing to which I shall probably refer in answer to a later Question today. I do not think it would be at all right for me to go into the details before agreement is finally reached.

9. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Minister of Power if he is aware that, because of the conditions recently imposed by the National Coal Board on the small mines in South Wales, the output for 1960 will be reduced, as compared with the 1959 output, by 22 per cent. and that for 1961, 1962, and 1963 will be reduced by 35 per cent., 40 per cent., and 47 per cent., respectively; and if he will make a statement on his policy concerning the part to be played by the small mines in the national economy.

Mr. Wood

The level of activity in this sector of the industry must be settled by the National Coal Board which has statutory responsibility for the licensing of privately-operated coal mines. I am told that agreement has been reached between the National Coal Board and the leaders of the Small Mines Federation, which the Federation has recommended its members to accept.

Mr. Davies

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no agreement between the National Coal Board and the small miners in the South Wales coalfield? Has he no comment to make about the massive disruption of the small mines by the Board, notwithstanding that they have given a very good account of themselves during their existence without any help or encouragement in the past from the Board?

Mr. Wood

We had an extensive discussion of this matter in an Adjournment debate last week. I think it would be quite improper if I commented upon this, because it seems to be a matter for the Federation of Small Mines, which, I understand, is ready to recommend acceptance of this agreement, and the small mine owners. I think the House would be the more pleased the sooner an agreement is reached.

Mr. Davies

I am sorry that I have to give notice to the House that I shall raise this matter again on the first opportunity given to me.

12. Mr. Fitch

asked the Minister of Power the number of licensed coal mines in Lancashire on 31st March, 1960; and how many persons were employed in them.

Mr. Wood

I am told by the National Coal Board that there were 22 mines employing 629 men.

Mr. Fitch

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 1st April twenty-five men were given their notice at one of these small mines and were immediately taken on by the National Coal Board without losing a day's work? At the same time twenty-five and twenty-nine men employed by two other small mines were given notice, but when it became known that the N.C.B. could absorb all these men those notices were withdrawn? Was this not irresponsible action on the part of the small mine owners? Does he not also agree that the twenty-five men who have been found work by the N.C.B. will now enjoy pit-head baths and canteens in a nationalised industry, something which they never got under private enterprise?

Mr. Wood

All that may be true, but I think the purpose of that supplementary question was more to give information than to receive it.

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