§ Mr. Robson-Brownasked the Paymaster-General if he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board to dispose of all properties, farms, businesses and assets owned by it which are not directly connected with the mining operations of the coal industry, thus bringing additional capital into the industry, and enabling it to concentrate all its attention on the production of coal.
§ Mr. RentonNo. Most of the Board's ancillary assets are intimately connected with colliery operations and my noble Friend is not satisfied that a general direction of the kind suggested, even if practicable, is necessary or in the real interests of the coal industry.