§ 28. Mr. Adam Hunterasked the Minister of Power when he expects to announce an increase in the coal production target for 1975.
§ Mr. MasonProduction in 1975 will depend on demand which will in turn depend on the N.C.B.'s success in reducing costs and increasing productivity.
§ Mr. HunterDoes my right hon. Friend recollect that in a recent statement he said that in 1975 the coal industry would be half as big again as nuclear power and natural gas put together? Does he agree that to get a proper picture of the coal industry in 1975 we should know what part oil is to play?
§ Mr. MasonYes, but we have to rely on estimates of demand. As I indicated earlier, demand for coal is falling. Therefore, the problem is one of marketing and sales.