HC Deb 23 November 1965 vol 721 c236
24. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Power to what extent the capital investment programme of the National Coal Board is geared to the 1970 target as specified in the National Plan.

Mr. Frederick Lee

I would refer my hon. Friend to paragraph 13 of the White Paper on the Finances of the Coal Industry.

Mrs. Short

In view of the fact that last year £90 million was invested in the coal industry, does not my right hon. Friend think that in the national interest maximum productivity should be obtained even if that means exceeding the £90 million?

Mr. Lee

I certainly think the maximum should be obtained. No target is fixed in the White Paper. This is merely an assessment and, if the coal industry can beat it, the best of British luck to it.

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