§ 6. Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Power the estimated additional coal output arising from the recently announced curtailment of pit closures; the estimated loss arising from this decision; and for how long these closures have been postponed.
§ Mr. MarshThe amount of additional output and the costs arising from the deferment of the 16 colliery closures will depend upon their eventual dates of closure. These will be decided by the National Coal Board following discussions with the chairmen of regional planning councils.
§ Mr. BiffenDoes not this incident confirm that what purports to be economic planning is sheer arbitrary political interference? Could not the Minister best minimise the harm which has been done by this decision by informing the House at the earliest possible date when these closures will be confirmed?
§ Mr. MarshOf course, the House will be kept informed of the programme. This was not interference. It was something which was agreed between the Government and the National Coal Board and discussed with the miners as well.