§ 18. Colonel Lancasterasked the Minister of Power if, in view of the fact that the National Coal Board's report and accounts will be for a 15-month period, he will ensure that when these accounts are presented they are broken down into the five quarters separately.
§ Mr. PeytonThe usual summary figures of quarterly revenue results will be given for each of the five quarters, and all revenue statements for the 15 month period will include also figures for the 12 months ending 28th March, 1964.
§ Colonel LancasterWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he can assure the House that these figures will be available before we rise for the Summer Recess? Further, can he indicate the trend of production, consumption and profitability or otherwise in the first six months of the calendar year 1964?
§ Mr. PeytonNo, Sir; I cannot anticipate the accounts. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that I told the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. T. Fraser) last month that it was hoped to publish the accounts at about the end of August. The National Coal Board is not under any statutory obligation to produce an outline of the accounts beforehand, but as my hon. and gallant Friend has expressed this wish, I will certainly undertake to consult the Chairman of the National Coal Board about the matter.