§ 2.35 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the National Coal Board have yet made such a complete clearance of a large coal dumping site that they have been able to ascertain what has been the loss in tonnage, calorific value and handling charges caused by the dumping; if so, what has been the loss per ton and how does that loss compare with the estimates made for the purpose of preparing the annual accounts of the Board.]
§ THE PAYMASTER GENERAL (LORD MILLS)My Lords, the National Coal Board have not recently cleared any large stocking ground containing small coal of the kinds which now comprise the greater part of their stocks. They inform me, however, that their experience so far in partial clearances of stocks supports the view that the provisions they have made in their accounts for stocking costs and losses are adequate.
LORD HAWKEMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply, which is very satisfactory so far as experience goes. Would he see that some publicity is given to it, to relieve the widespread anxiety felt in the country that the provision for these losses in the National Coal Board accounts has not been sufficient?
§ LORD MILLSMy Lords, I will certainly consider that suggestion with my right honourable friend the Minister of Power.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, would the noble Lord not agree that this considerable feeling in the country is based entirely on imagination?
§ LORD MILLSYes, my Lords, with that I fully agree.