§ 26. Mr. Lawsonasked the Minister of Power what arrangements exist among the nationalised fuel and power industries to co-ordinate their production plans in the national interest.
§ Mr. WoodI talk regularly and frequently about all important policy matters with the heads of the fuel and power industries, for which I am responsible. The industries also maintain close direct contacts with each other.
§ Mr. LawsonDoes the Minister continually bear in mind that the national interest is not always served by concentrating on purely commercial interests? Does not he appreciate that the concentration on commercial interests is turning large parts of the country into mere desert? Would he see that the national interest is considered rather than purely commercial interests?
§ Mr. WoodI can think of a number of examples where the pure wind of commerce is tempered by other considerations. I do not know exactly the consideration which the hon. Gentleman has in mind, but I can assure him that I certainly take the national interest into account in these matters.
§ Mr. LawsonWould not the Minister agree that this, apparently, is not operating in Scotland because of the manner in which the National Coal Board has 1521 smashed so many pits? Does he not agree that almost purely commercial interests apply there?
§ Mr. WoodIt must be not only to the commercial but to the national interest to try to produce the coal that the country needs as cheaply as it can be produced.