HC Deb 08 December 1964 vol 703 cc1296-7
1. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Power if he will undertake a complete review of the capital structure of the National Coal Board, in view of the interest charges which are at present borne by the industry.

The Minister of Power (Mr. Frederick Lee)

This will be part of the review I announced in the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 1st December, 1964.

Mr. Hamilton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this review, which is very long overdue, will give a good deal of satisfaction to the miners and the mining community of this country, but can he give any indication when he will be able to make a statement as to what progress has been made?

Mr. Lee

No. I will get on with the review as quickly as possible, but I cannot at this stage anticipate when it will be completed.

Mr. Peyton

Without committing myself, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that any massive write-off of capital which would amount to a subsidy for coal is likely to receive a very chilly welcome from this side of the House?

Mr. Lee

Perhaps we had better await the outcome of the review.

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