§ 17. Mr. Osbornasked the Minister of Power what plans there are for encouraging the expansion of production facilities at the foundries of the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. FreesonNone, Sir, beyond a minor extension of capacity at the Board's Tredomen workshops.
§ Mr. OsbornWould the hon. Gentleman ensure that we have adequate information about the turnover and profitability of ventures to date in view of the unsatisfactory reply which I have had from the Chairman of the National Coal Board? Would he consider whether this is a venture which should be sold back to private enterprise?
§ Mr. FreesonCertainly not. This foundry has a capacity of 2,000 tons a year and has recently been producing up to 1,400 tons. It is an integral part 14 of the works and most of the castings produced are incorporated in the products of the works.