§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Power (1) if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the National Coal Board to have the electronic remote-controlled and monitored equipment which is in operation at the Newstead Colliery, Nottinghamshire, installed in other collieries and manufactured on a large scale for export;
(2) if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the National Coal Board to encourage the large-scale production for export of its latest coal-cutting machines and electronic remote-controlled and monitored equipment, including the automatic hydraulic roof supports.
§ Mr. John MorrisThese are not suitable matters for a general direction. I understand the National Coal Board is planning to extend its trials of remote control equipment over the next two years. I am told that the plans of the200W manufacturers, developing this and other mining equipment in conjunction with the Board, include production for exports.
§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Power what steps are being taken to let all countries know about the latest coal-cutting machine perfected by the National Coal Board which could also be used for rock cutting for tunnels, etc.
§ Mr. John MorrisI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the selective heading machine developed by the National Coal Board's Central Engineering Establishment. The Coal Board informs me that this machine is at an early stage of development and is still under trial.