§ 27. Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Power what capital expenditure he has authorised for increased mechanisation in the coal mines.
§ Mr. WoodThe capital expenditure I have agreed with the Board for 1961–62 includes £8 million for coal-face machinery. I have not yet finally agreed the Board's capital programme for 1962–63, but the Board tells me that expenditure on coal-face machinery is likely next year to be rather more than this.
§ Mr. MasonWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in the Yorkshire coalfields and perhaps elsewhere there is a danger that, although power-loading machines are coming off the production line according to schedule, mechanisation will be hold up because of the lack of ancillary equipment such as mechanical chocks, power-loading stage equipment, belts and so on? Will the right hon. Gentleman take that into consideration?
§ Mr. WoodI am sure that that is for the Chairman of the Board to take into consideration, but I will certainly draw his attention to the hon. Member's remarks if he is not already aware of these difficulties.
§ Mr. GunterCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea how much of a cut will take place next week?
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeIf we are to debate the Exchequer's Advances (Limit) Order dealing with advances to nationalised industries on Wednesday, and the coal industry is not included in that Order, could my right hon. Friend publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the anti- 874 cipated capital expenditure on coal mines in the forthcoming year?