16 JULY 1965, Page 6

Who Pays?

I have never been in favour of closing pits merely because they are uneconomic.—Mr. William Paynter, general secretary of the National Union of Mine- workers, on the report of the Energy Advisory Council.

From the valleys built upon coal and clay They cry to their Parliament, 'Who will pay?'

But there comes no answer from Lee or Jay, For none in that kitty of slaves will pay.

Kaldor or Callaghan? Who will pay?

Men of the Treasury, who will pay?

For there's mud in your aye and there's mud in your nay And there's mud at the hustings when taxpayers pay.

And the voice of the Paynter

. Grows visibly fainter.

Who is for Energy? Who will pay?

CHRISTOPHER IFIOLLIS