HC Deb 30 May 1968 vol 765 cc2130-2
Q3. Mr. Ridley

asked the Prime Minister which areas where pit closures are proposed he next intends to visit.

The Prime Minister

I pay frequent visits to coal mining areas, Sir, and if the hon. Member would care to let me know the particular one that interests him I would be happy to give him advance warning of my next visit.

Mr. Ridley

Will the Prime Minister undertake the next time he visits such an area not to interfere in the delicate and difficult task of the National Coal Board in closing uneconomic pits, as he did when he visited the North in October and Wales last February?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Gentleman has got it wrong on both counts. Last September I had discussions with the Chairman of the Coal Board before announcing the policy decision that was taken. That policy, involving consultation with regional council chairmen, was the proposal of the Chairman of the Coal Board. As regards Wales, the action was taken by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power, because in the case of Cefn Coed—I think that was the pit the hon. Gentleman was talking about—the procedures agreed with the Coal Board had not been carried out, in that the Welsh Planning Council had not had a chance to examine all the implications of the proposed closure. Therefore, my right hon. Friend insisted that the proper procedures should be gone through.

Mr. Mendelson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, whatever frivolous questions he may be asked by hon. Members opposite, this is a most serious matter to those who earn their livelihoods through the coal mining industry? Does he recall that my right hon. Friend the Member for Newton (Mr. Frederick Lee), when Minister of Fuel and Power, gave an undertaking that there would be a general staff of the Minister of Housing and Local Government, the Minister of Fuel and Power and the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs who would meet regularly to plan the bringing of new industries to areas where pit closures are contemplated? Will he implement that policy?

The Prime Minister

It is being implemented, and the arrangements for regional consultation and staff work have been greatly expanded. I should not go into the whole question of fuel policy, but my hon. Friend will be aware of the announcement of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade about the very special additional help on top of ordinary development area facilities for those areas particularly vulnerable to pit closures where there is no alternative work nearby in the mining industry and there is insufficient alternative employment.

Mr. Peyton

As each would appear to be master of the other's job, why do not the Prime Minister and Lord Robens change places?

Mr. Ogden

Does my right hon. Friend recall the many happy visits he and I have made to Cronton Colliery, Huyton, to the Lancashire Miners' Gala and many other pit areas in the country? Is he aware that there is still and always will be a warm and sincere welcome for him amongst those in the mining industry—

The Prime Minister rose

—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. The compliment is not ended.

Mr. Ogden

—because we appreciate the massive help that the present Government have given to the coal mining areas?

The Prime Minister

I thank my hon. Friend. I had an extremely warm and friendly welcome to the actual pit closure areas and from the lodge concerned both in the case of Cefn Coed and Ynyscedwyn when I visited Wales recently. I hope to get a friendly welcome when I go to Northumberland next month and to Durham the following month.

Mr. Swain

Is my right hon. Friend aware that even in the midst of this so-called unpopularity of the Labour Government he is more welcome in the mining areas even now than any Tory Prime Minister ever was, including the one who turned out the troops against the miners in 1911?

The Prime Minister

No Government which has pursued a policy of industrial change, as we have, and, as we consider it to be necessary, involving so many people leaving their jobs and having to transfer their work, after perhaps a lifetime, could expect to be other than unpopular in those areas. I still accept what my hon. Friend said about the feelings of miners and others in the areas concerned, when it is a question of their considering any possible alternative.