HC Deb 16 December 1943 vol 395 cc1718-9W
Mr. J. J. Davidson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works what steps he has taken to obtain plant that can be utilised for the production of outcrop coal?

Mr. Hicks

All large excavating machinery scheduled to be manufactured in this country is being allocated, so far as possible, to opencast coal production. In addition arrangements have been made recently with the United States Government for the supply of a large quantity of plant, which it is hoped will be available for operation next summer.