§ 65. Mr. Masonasked the Paymaster-General what measures are at present contemplated to increase the output of large coal; to what extent they will interfere with the mechanisation of mines programme; and what is his estimate of the annual tonnage demand for large coal.
§ Sir I. HorobinThe board's measures include closer attention to shot-firing; the use in the collieries and seams important for large coal of the power loaders which cause least degradation; the development of machines minimising degradation; and improved preparation and handling. The annual demand for large coal at present is roughly 50 million tons.