§ 29. Mr. Horamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his current policy as regards the hiving off of National Coal Board brickyards to private industry.
§ Mr. EmeryAs my hon. Friend told my hon. Friend the Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeet) on 19th October 1972, the Government concur with the board's policy, which is to dispose of its brickworks provided offers are made which, in its judgment, are acceptable.—[Vol. 843, c.137.]
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now direct the National Coal Board to divest itself of its brickmaking facilities.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanAs I told my hon. Friend on 19th October 1972, the board's policy is to sell its brickworks, provided it receives acceptable offers. I understand that the board is actively pursuing this policy and the question of a direction does not, therefore, arise.—[Vol. 843, c.137.]
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§ 34. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary ot State for Trade and Industry what general directions he has given to the National Coal Board in respect of the future of the board's coke ovens and coal preparation and carbonisation plants.
§ Mr. EmeryNone. As part of the reorganisation of non-mining activities to which my hon. Friend referred on 21st December, the board has transferred its coke ovens and carbonisation plants to a subsidiary company. Coal preparation plants are unaffected.