§ Mr. Saltasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the recent taking over of collieries without any full explanation as to why output is unsatisfactory has caused considerable anxiety and a feeling of insecurity to colliery managements throughout the country; and whether, in view of the harm which may be done to total production of British collieries on this account, he will, in the future, before taking over any colliery, issue a statement as to the reasons why such imposition of control is considered necessary?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am not aware that coal production has suffered or is likely to suffer from the cause suggested. Authorised controllers have been ap- 2493W pointed at only two collieries during the last nine months. In the more recent case a statement was issued to the Press before the imposition of the control Order. In the other case I have given a full statement to the House about the reasons for taking control.