§ 53 and 54. Mr. Pentlandasked the Minister of Power (1) what general direction he has given to the National Coal Board in regard to the steps to be taken to maintain the present level of coal production when Imperial Chemical Industries completes the conversion of its industries, either wholly or in part, from the use of coal for energy purposes to oil;
(2) what general direction he has given to the National Coal Board in regard to the steps to be taken to maintain the present level of coal production when the Gas Board completes the conversion of its industry, either wholly or in part, from the use of coal in the production of gas to the use of liquid methane.
§ Mr. GeorgeNone. It is for the National Coal Board to determine what measures should be taken to maintain output in face of competition from other fuels. No decision has yet been taken on the use of liquid methane by the gas industry and my right hon. Friend expects that both industries will, in any event, continue to use coal in very substantial quantities.