§ 32. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Power if he will give directions to the National Coal Board under Section 31 (1) of the Act of 1946 to include in their annual accounts a cumulative statement of compensation paid in respect of property damaged by subsidence from 1947 onwards.
§ Mr. WoodNo, Sir. I consider the present form of the Board's accounts, which show items of expenditure, including compensation for surface damage, in the year of account only, fully meets the requirements of the Act.
§ Mr. WainwrightI appreciate that Answer, but I cannot see why instructions are not given to the National Coal Board to search out the facts about such 621 subsidence and the cost thereof to the coal mining industry. Miners and others directly interested in the industry should know what subsidence costs the Board. I hope the Minister will—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member must couch his observations in an interrogative form.
§ Mr. WoodIf the hon. Gentleman puts down a Question I will try to get him the figures or something on the lines of the figures that he would like, but I cannot agree to do what he would like me to do with the accounts.