§ Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Paymaster-General whether Her Majesty's Government will give a general direction to the National Coal Board to make available for purchase by private enterprise any collieries which the Board finds is uneconomic to keep open.
§ Mr. MaudlingNo. I am advised that with the exception of small mines licensed under Section 36 (2) (a) of the Coal 104W Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, coal mines cannot be legally worked in this country by private enterprise.