COAL OUTPUT

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26856, 8 October 1952, Page 10

COAL OUTPUT

"COUNTRY’S NEEDS BEING MET” OPPOSITION CRITICISM OF PRICE (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 7. Coal production generally had been meeting the requirements of the country, and a market would have to be found for the excess if production were built up, said the Minister of Mines (Mr W. Sullivan) in the House of Representatives tonight. Mr A. McLagan (Opposition, Riccarton) had said earlier that in the first two years of the National Governbent, coal production had fallen by 500,000 tons, compared with the output in the last two years of the Labour Government. There was more coal available today because ,of consumer resistance to the high prices imposed by the Government. The Minister said he thought that the conversion of locomotives to oil fuel had caused a reduction of coal consumption. Now it was suggested that these locomotives would go back to coal, and that would be all to the good. “This year we have imported no coal, but I would like to see us export some. of our soft coals if we could get a market,” said Mr Sullivan. He said that the price of coal was fixed. If any private coalmine owner wanted to undersell the Mines Department no objection would be raised. He added that it should be possible to make the country self-supporting in coal production, and with the cooperation of those engaged in the industry this could be brought about. The miners were giving good service. Price to Gas Companies The Minister said that all the coal used by gas companies was made available at less than cost price. Mr R. McKeen (Opposition, Island Bay) asked how the country could become self-supporting when production was declining and there were fewer men engaged in the industry. The labour force must be increased, but the Government was making no attempt to arrest its decline. Mr Sullivan said that many of the men had left the industry during last year’s strike and had not returned. If more coal were required the department would see that it was produced. . The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash) said it was correct to say that thousands of age beneficiaries were unable to afford to buy coal. Mr Sullivan: Will you supply me with their names? Mr Nash: Yes. There are definitely people who have to go to bed because they cannot get coal. Mr Nash said that the abnormal price of coal would be harmful, and industrial and domestic consumption would decrease.