§ 29. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Power if he will state his estimate of the number of tons of coal that will be produced by the coal-mining industry during the years 1961, 1962, and 1963.
§ Mr. WoodNot far short of 190 million tons in 1961. The Board tells me it expects to produce about the same amount in 1962, but has made no estimate for 1963.
§ Mr. WainwrightIf these targets are more than reached, resulting in the need to stock coal, will the right hon. Gentleman recommend to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the financing of that stocking should be borne by the Government?
§ Mr. WoodIn the unlikely event of that hypothesis taking place, I would certainly have serious talks with my right hon. and learned Friend. I estimated in February that the Board would lift from stock 7 million to 10 million tons this year, and that estimate probably still remains about the best that can be made.