§ 9. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Power whether he will make a state- 682 ment on the undertakings he has given to the National Coal Board, and the National Union of Mineworkers, for future production arrangements for the coalmining industry and reduced rate of pit closures; and whether he will now publish, as amended, the Government's White Paper on Energy Policy.
§ Mr. MasonI have given no such undertakings, but I am studying recent developments in the industry.
§ Sir G. NabarroHas not the right hon. Gentleman perceived that in the first 42 weeks of this year the massive number of 50,000 men left the coalmining industry, reducing its labour force by 13 per cent., so that the rate of output of coal has declined by no less than 8 million tons a year? Is he satisfied with that calamitous rate of depreciation of our most important basic industry?
§ Mr. MasonI have also noticed that output per man shift has increased faster than we anticipated and that the number of industrial disputes in the industry this year is the lowest on record.
§ Mr. SwainIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the 1967 White Paper natural gas, oil and nuclear energy were given guaranteed markets? In any review of the 1967 White Paper, will my right hon. Friend make it compulsory for these three industries to compete on equal terms with the coal-mining industry?