§ 87. Mr. Blytonasked the Paymaster-General how far the Government expect to contract the mining industry; and
PURCHASES BY MINISTRY OF WORKS — 1954–55 1955–56 1956–57 1957–58 1958–59 Fuel oil Tons … … … 24,540 30,490 42,550 58,720 61,680 Coal Tons … … … 418,840 390,720 330,790 317,610 291,740 The above amounts include substantial purchases on behalf of other Departments (varying from year to year) which bear the cost of fuel on their own Votes.
INDUSTRIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION (in Thousand Tons) — 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 Fuel oil … … … 2,800* 3,200* 3,600* 4,037 4,994 Coal … … … 40,822 40,647 39,397 37,481 33,565 * Estimated. Imports of fuel oil are not generally earmarked for specific users, so that the extent to which consumption in a particular sector is met from imported fuel oil cannot be stated.
122Wwhether advice regarding alternative employment will be given this year, in advance of publication, to the manpower affected by the National Coal Board's forthcoming plans for reduction in 1960.
§ Sir I. HorobinI cannot anticipate the proposals which the National Coal Board will be making to my noble Friend, but I am satisfied that, in consultation with the unions concerned and with Government Departments, the Board will do all it can to secure alternative employment for any mineworker affected by colliery closures.