§ 93. Mr. Bartleyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power when the national plan now being prepared by the National Coal Board will be published; and whether it will be in a form requiring it to be brought before this House before receiving his approval.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI am told by the National Coal Board that their proposals for a national plan of reconstruction and investment are with the printers; the Board hope to publish them about the middle of next month. They will then at once submit the proposals to their National Consultative Council, on which all those who work in the mines are represented. Later on, in accordance with the Act of 1946, they will submit the plan to me, with whatever changes they may, as the result of their consultations, consider to be wise; and they will then seek my 297W approval for the main lines of development which they propose. In view of the importance of the plan, and of the public interest which it may arouse, I am arranging to send a copy of it on publication to every hon. Member of the House.