§ Mr. Varleyasked the Minister of Power, if he will give a general direction, in the national interest, to the National Coal Board to provide for an extended programme to ensure that the repair and planned maintenance of colliery machinery and equipment is undertaken in their own area central workshops.
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§ Mr. John MorrisNo. This is a matter for the National Coal Board. I understand, however, that the Board are concerned to ensure full use of their workshops' capacity and that they are at present rationalising work loads so as to increase efficiency and turnover, reduce costs and effect a substantial reduction in the amount of work contracted out.