HC Deb 26 July 1971 vol 822 cc28-9
36. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will issue a general direction to the National Coal Board further to promote the use of solid fuel.

Sir J. Eden

I am sure the National Coal Board needs no direction to do this.

Mr. Skinner

I am certain that it does not, and it worries me. Is the Minister aware that in recent months the new Chairman of the Coal Board, Derek Ezra, has been issuing, or has allowed to be issued, propaganda suggesting that 40,000 extra mining jobs will be created if we join the E.E.C.? While that is hypothetical conjecture and sounds very rosy, perhaps the Minister will help us. I am not too concerned about the 40,000 extra jobs—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] The 40,000 hypothetical, alleged, extra jobs. I will put it that way. Will the hon. Gentleman be more specific and tell the British miners that if we enter the E.E.C. not a single job will be lost out of the existing 300,000?

Sir J. Eden

The expressed views of the Chairman of the National Coal Board are a matter entirely for him, but I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will take into account his assessment that great opportunities exist for the National Coal Board in an enlarged Community. I share that view.

Mr. Palmer

Taking the apparent point of my hon. Friend's Question, will the hon. Gentleman tell us whether there will be ample supplies of solid smokeless fuel in the country next winter?

Sir J. Eden

The stocking position is looking good at present.