§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the objective of the National Coal Board to 299W accrue revenue not less than sufficient for meeting all outgoings properly chargeable to revenue account was set; and whether it applies to the financial year 1971–72.
§ Mr. RidleyThe objective which the hon. Member seems to have in mind is the one laid down in Section 1(4)(c) of the Coal Industry Act, 1946. The Act provides that the Board's policy shall be directed to securing the objective not in individual years, but on an average of good and bad years.