§ 33. Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Power what criteria he employed in deciding to intervene in proposals by the National Coal Board to close certain pits.
§ Mr. OnslowHas it ever occurred to the right hon. Gentleman that, if he stopped interfering politically in the affairs of the National Coal Board, Lord Robens might stop interfering in politics?
§ Mr. RidleyCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether one of the criteria is whether the Prime Minister has visited the area concerned in the immediate past?
§ Mr. MarshI think that, on reflection, the hon. Gentleman may regret that supplementary question. Very real and big social problems are involved in colliery closures. The decision to provide for postponement of some closures in certain circumstances was agreed by both sides of the House and there was no dispute.
§ Mr. SwainMay I ask my right hon. Friend when he and the Government will be big enough to accept the responsibility of deciding the Government policy in which Lord Robens has to work? May I also ask him about the fuel policy White Paper? Does he recall that only a few months ago the Prime Minister withdrew the White Paper because 80 Members of this House said that they would vote against it?
§ Mr. MarshMy hon. Friend has his point of view. The White Paper has never been withdrawn and there has never been any undertaking that it would be withdrawn. What was said was that, in the light of devaluation, the figures would be looked at to see how far things had changed.
§ Mr. SwainIn 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 moment.