§ Mr. Gibson-Wattasked the Minister of Power how many pit ponies are at present employed in the mines; and how many it is estimated there will be by the end of 1970.
§ Mr. MasonFewer than 2,000 ponies are now employed in the mines of the National Coal Board. The board tells me that by the end of the next financial year all ponies will be withdrawn, with the exception of a small number in collieries where the expected life would not justify capital expenditure on new haulage equipment.