THE crucial importance of coal mining to Britain was highlighted by Mr (later Sir) Gerald Nabarro, then Conservative MP for Kidderminster, in a speech delivered at Malvern this week 50 years ago.

The Journal reported him as stressing the need "to make the best possible use of all coal mined in this country.

"Alas, coal is probably the most grave and vicious problem to beset the nation in the post-war years. For a-quarter-of-a-century, the coal industry has suffered a wasting disease, a fact deplored by many influential people.

"The truth is that this nation became a mighty industrial power because of coal. Britain exported in vast bulk not only coal but also manufactured articles for which coal had provided the means of production.

"I cannot emphasise too strongly my belief that the stability of 50 million people in this country depends on coal because it is upon this vital commodity that the wealth of the whole nation rests. Our pits are now turning out only sufficient coal for the industrial and domestic needs of the country, there being very little over. The result is that our coal exports have fallen from 80 million tons a year between 1922 and 1938 to just eight million tons a year now.

"I have visited coal-faces and have always been left with a sense of deep humility as the miners work in such appalling and difficult conditions for between £12 and £20 a week, earning every penny of it. My firm conviction is that the nation must learn how to develop its coal industry properly and ensure its full and rapid revival."