The Coal Board and targets (1949)

From the December 1949 issue of the Socialist Standard

The Daily Mirror (6/9/49).

“It would be difficult or even impossible to sell Coal abroad if coal output targets were achieved." Professor A. Beecham told The British Association yesterday. He said such a situation could only be met by unemployment, wage cutting and further losses for The National Coal Board and added: “The Coal Board should press the Government for lower output targets. It should be more active in closing uneconomic mines and it should set about reducing its labour force."

So according to Professor A. Beecham, the miners have two choices before them, one to increase their output and two. to lower their output, but whatever they do the results apparently will be the same.

It is only under Socialism that this situation will not arise, for coal will be produced solely to satisfy human needs, and not as to-day for a market with a view to profit.

J. P.