HC Deb 02 July 1968 vol 767 cc1293-4
32. Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Power what consultations he had with the National Coal Board in advance of the announcement of the intention to close Bradford Colliery. Manchester, in September, 1968.

Mr. Freeson

The National Coal Board is responsible for colliery closures, and keep my right hon. Friend informed. This was done in the case of Bradford Colliery.

Mr. Ogden

Would my hon. Friend agree that there is a vast difference between being informed of a decision and being consulted about a decision before it is taken? Surely if it is anyone's business it is the business of the Ministry of Power?

Mr. Freeson

It has not been the practice in the past, nor is it the practice at the present time, for the Ministry of Power to involve itself in the detailed programming of colliery closures.

Mr. Sheldon

Although it is no desire of mine or my hon. Friends to interfere with the day-to-day working of the N.C.B. may I ask whether, in a matter as serious as this, my hon. Friend has assured himself that the financial implications have been covered?

Mr. Freeson

All these implications are taken into account when the decision is made. The important thing is that, so far as possible, there should be close liaison between the N.C.B. and the various Government Departments concerned so that action can be taken where possible by other Departments to direct employment and industrial development into the areas concerned.

Sir G. Nabarro

Can the hon. Gentleman explain to the House why it is expected to vote the money consequent upon the policy of large-scale pit closures, while the Minister refuses to give us details of the displacement of labour and all the other operational details following the closure policy?

Mr. Freeson

If the hon. Gentleman and any other hon. Member wish to put down Questions asking for this information we will do our best to supply it. We have answered such Questions in the past.

Mr. Shinwell

Why does the Parliamentary Secretary always assume that the provisions of the coal nationalisation Act, for which he is responsible in this House, provide arbitrary powers allowing the N.C.B. to indulge in closures without full consultation, not only with the N.U.M. but with the Government, about the social consequences? Are we to assume that this is Government policy? If so, they ought to be made responsible.

Mr. Freeson

My right hon. Friend has misunderstood one of my previous replies. I said on two occasions that there is consultation between the N.C.B. and the Government Departments concerned. It is not just a matter for the Ministry of Power, as I pointed out.

Mr. Ogden

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.