§ 42. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement regarding the use of powers under the Coal Industry Act, 1971, to direct the National Coal Board to "hive off" any of its activities or dispose of any of its assets.
§ Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his present policy now is with regard to using his powers under Section 7 of the Coal Industry Act, 1971, to direct the National Coal Board to discontinue or restrict any of its activities or disposal of any part of their undertaking or assets.
§ Sir J. EdenI am discussing with the National Coal Board a report it has sent to me on its non-colliery activities. I shall inform the House of the outcome as soon as I can.