§ 4. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Power if he will establish a joint committee consisting of representatives of the National Coal Board, British coal exporters and those industrialists exporting to Europe steam power plant, electricity generating equipment and other heavy plant using coal, with a view to integrating a British coal export drive with the general export drive.
§ Mr. WoodI do not think there is any need for me to sponsor a formal committee. If the interests mentioned by the hon. Member think such an arrangement would be useful, I am sure they will come together amongst themselves.
§ Mr. BoydenDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that he has some responsibility in the matter of bringing them together? In the past British coal exports were extremely important, but under the present Government they have fallen to a very small proportion. Cannot the Minister use his initiative in this matter?
§ Mr. WoodI do not know of any general desire among the constituent bodies for such an association. Naturally, if any of them took the view that such an association would be beneficial I should explore the matter and, if necessary, try to urge them to get together.