HC Deb 20 April 1970 vol 800 c28
55. Mr. Pounder

asked the Minister of Technology if he is satisfied that the increases in productivity achieved by the National Coal Board for the current financial year are making the predicted contribution to the National Coal Board's financial target; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Williams

It is far too early in the year to judge.

Mr. Pounder

Bearing in mind that last year the target achieved by the N.C.B. was only about a quarter of what it forecast, are there not grounds for very grave concern, even at this early stage in the year?

Mr. Williams

Of course there is concern when the productivity level of the coal industry is as it was last year. The important thing to bear in mind is that it is an industry which shows very wide fluctuations from year to year in its level of productivity increase. Speaking from memory, I believe that the range has been between 1 per cent. and 9 per cent., but the overall longer-term average has been around 5 per cent.