§ Q14. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister what representations have been received by him and other Government Departments calling for an independent inquiry into the comparative costs of operating electricity stations based either on coal or nuclear energy.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government have, of course, studied the Report of the Select Committee on Science and Technology on this question. In addition, representations have been received from the coal industry as well as from a number of hon. Members.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn view of representations by Lord Robens, the Chairman of the National Coal Board, by the National Coal Board itself, by the National Union of Mineworkers, by other organisations interested in the matter, and by a number of hon. Members, can my right hon. Friend afford to disregard these representations?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not a question of disregarding this, as my hon. Friend suggests. He might have added to that list the Report of the Economist Intelligence Unit as well. On the receipt of the Report of the Select Committee, although I do not myself believe that a case is made out in any way for changing policy, I have given instructions that the matter, which is kept under continuous review, be reviewed yet again in the light of the important pronouncement made by hon. Members who sat on that Committee.
§ Mr. ThorpeIs the Prime Minister aware of the tremendous dissatisfaction felt by coalminers, not least in his own constituency, which I have just visited, that the rate of rundown of the coalmines under this Government is such that the National Coal Board, with the best will in the world, cannot absorb those who are made redundant or provide adequate retraining or alternative employment for them?
§ The Prime MinisterI am glad that the right hon. Gentleman has had this most up to date evidence on this question. He will know that some of us have been having regular meetings with the National Union of Mineworkers over a very long period of time. I myself have discussed this with miners in Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire and many other parts of the country. This matter was very fully debated in the House on the last Coal Industry Act which, as my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power said earlier, provides unprecedented help for any over 55 years of age who cannot be re-employed with the National Coal Board or found alternative work.