§ 30. Mr. Alisonasked the Minister of Power whether he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board to increase its efforts to promote coal exports.
§ Mr. FreesonNo, Sir. But both the President of the Board of Trade and my right hon. Friend are ready to help the National Coal Board where they think that this would be useful.
§ Mr. AlisonDoes the Minister think that the rather poor coal export performance of the National Coal Board justifies the very substantial increase in investment in the Port of Immingham which Lord Robens is seeking to make, and are the Government giving a good wind to this proposal?
§ Mr. FreesonI have already indicated that if any suggestions come from the National Coal Board or from hon. Members in this connection we shall be glad to consider them.
§ Mr. Edwin WainwrightWill my hon. Friend agree that if every industry increased its productivity and efficiency as the coal-mining industry has done we should not have a balance of payments problem?
§ Mr. FreesonI would certainly endorse that this industry has one of the finest records in this country and, indeed, abroad.