§ 20. Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied that coal stocks are sufficient to meet all winter demands.
§ Mr. EadieCoal stocks, together with coal production at its current level, should be sufficient to meet winter demand. But in difficult winter conditions transport might present a problem.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonDoes not the Minister agree that this good position for stocks, on which we congratulate him, is more a result of falling demand than of increased productivity, which is now worryingly low and 3 per cent. down on what it was last year? What action do the Government and the board intend to take to try to get productivity increased?
§ Mr. EadieI do not think that I should hide from the House the fact that there is a decreasing demand for coal in keeping with the downturn in worldwide economic activity. Nevertheless, as the hon. Genleman has suggesed, we are very glad that we have the stocks. The hon. Gentleman will also be glad that productivity has undergone a bit of a revival during the past week or two, and one hopes that this will continue. Lastly, the hon. Gentleman will be glad to hear me reaffirm that my right hon. Friend and I will be meeting the National Union of Mineworkers this week to discuss all problems attendant on the mining industry.