§ 23. Mr. Milneasked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning if his Department will require 191 the economic planning councils in mining areas to examine the possibilities of securing the maximum advantage from the Government's financial assistance to delay pit closures.
§ Mr. UrwinInformation about impending pit closures supplied by the N.C.B. is carefully considered, in consultation as necessary with the council concerned. The possible use of our powers under the Coal Industry Act, 1967, is taken fully into account.
§ Mr. MilneIs my hon. Friend aware that while this goes so far in dealing with the problem it does not go far enough, and that a large amount of money could have been used by the Northern Economic Planning Board in delaying pit closures and offsetting the effects of rising unemployment? Will he have talks with the board about this?
§ Mr. UrwinFrequent discussions take place with the planning councils and hoards on this subject. I would remind my hon. Friend that the Report of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries published last December has demonstrated how costly temporary deferment of pit closures can he in relation to the benefits obtained. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology has made clear that it would be appropriate to use the power only for limited periods so there could be no question of using it to postpone all proposed closures indiscriminately.