§ 74. Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Supply what progress is being made in the manufacture of coalmining machinery; what is the production programme for 1947 and 1948, and to what extent the former is being achieved; and how far such production will meet the demands of the British coalmining industry.
§ Mr. WilmotOutput of coalface machinery is improving and I am hopeful that, by an extensive use of sub-contracting capacity will be found to meet the needs of the coalmining industry. The present programme of requirements calls for an average monthly output of 372 conveyors, 120 coal cutters and 13 power loaders. There is sufficient capacity to meet orders placed for miscellaneous equipment.