§ 42. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Minister of Power, if he will issue a general direction to the National Coal Board to defer the closure of pits until other forms of industrial work are brought into the affected areas.
§ Mr. GunterNo, the decision to close a pit is taken by the Board in the light of financial, commercial, and technical factors. The Government is continuing to take steps to attract industry to areas affected by pit closures.