§ 13. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Power, if he will state the percentage increase in the output per man shift in the coal mining industry for the first six months of 1962 in comparison with the same period of 1961.
§ Mr. WainwrightDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this magnificent performance merits praise from this House and that that praise ought to be conveyed to every member of the mining fraternity, both management and work people? Does he not also agree that many of the statements by his hon. Friends which are denigratory of the coal mining industry and which are designed to create the impression among the public that the industry is inefficient, ought not to lie in the mouths of those Members—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The Minister has no responsibility for expressing opinions about the observations of his hon. Friends.
§ Mr. WoodI think this performance merits great praise and I have taken other opportunities in the past to say so. My hon. Friends are just as anxious as I am to see this industry viable and competitive, and I believe they have confidence in the chairman of the National Coal Board.