§ 38. Mr. Dickensasked the Minister of Power if he is aware that current manpower and output trends in the coalmining industry will result in the production of 130 million tons of deep-mined coal in 1970–71, compared with a demand of 170 to 180 million tons forecast for that year in the National Plan; and what action he will take to deal with this matter.
§ The Minister of Power (Mr. Richard Marsh)In consultation with the Chairman of the National Coal Board, I shall be giving close attention to the implications of current manpower and output trends in the coal industry. I have not yet formed a considered judgment about their significance in terms of the demand for coal forecast in the National Plan.