§ 78. Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power when the Government decided to give overriding priority in the allocation of large-scale excavators to opencast coal working; whether he is aware of the consequent loss of production of aggregate for concrete required for housing schemes; and why notice was not given to the Midland Gravel Company, Limited, that their excavator had been diverted.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe Government decided to give overriding priority to opencast mining in the allocation of large capacity excavators early in August. This decision was reached only after a full review of the various competing demands for these machines, including those based on the need for aggregate for concrete. The Midland Gravel Company Limited were informed on 14th September that the excavator they had on order would be diverted.