§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Power whether he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board not to use private contractors in the deep mining of coal where the task at hand can be performed adequately by Board employees.
§ Mr. FreesonNo. The Board advise me that it is their general policy to carry out all work themselves. Outside contractors are however employed on special development work, mainly driveages in stone, for which Board staff with the special skills required are not available, or where the work can be undertaken more economically by contractors.
§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Power what general directions he has given to the National Coal Board on the use of private contractors in the deep mining of coal.
§ Mr. FreesonNone.