§ 27. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Power what recent discussions he has had with the European Economic Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonTogether with my noble Friend, the Minister of State at the Board of Trade, I attended a meeting of the Council of Association with the Commission of the European Communities only 12 days ago. I have placed a copy of the communiqué issued after that meeting in the Library.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs there anything useful to learn for United Kingdom policies from these energy proposals put to the E.E.C.?
§ Mr. MasonYes, Sir. One in particular is whether there should be joint examination by the coal and steel groups of whether there is likely to be a serious shortage of coking supplies in future to the steel industries of Britain and Europe. This will be helpful to the N.C.B. to the British Steel Corporation and the Government.
§ Sir J. EdenIs this likely to lead to changes in the rate of pit closures'?