§ Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Fuel and Power who will be the authority to decide on the mechanisation of a mine or mines; whether jointly with the coal-owners or otherwise; whether the necessary plant and machinery can be obtained for this purpose; who will bear the capital expenditure involved, the coalowners or the Treasury; and who will bear the losses or receive the increased profits?
§ Mr. T. SmithThe underground mechanisation programme at collieries is being carried out, under my right hon. Friend's authority, by the control organisation set up under the White Paper on Coal. It will, of course, be necessary for the officers of this organisation to discuss the technical details of particular schemes with the representatives of the managements. All possible steps are being taken by my Ministry to obtain the necessary machinery. This plant will, in some cases, be purchased by colliery companies and in others let on hire to them. Any consequential operational losses or profits will be merged in the general financial results of the colliery undertakings.