§ 38. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will instruct the Recruiting Committee to prevent further recruiting in coal-mining districts; whether numbers of coal miners have enlisted, and how it is proposed to fill their places?
§ Mr. TENNANTThere has been no representation either from the Home Office or the Board of Trade or from any responsible body connected with the coalmining industry that would lead the Army Council to suppose that all further recruiting in coal-mining districts generally should now cease. The hon. Gentleman will therefore pardon me if I hesitate to give such instructions merely as a consequence of the suggestion which has come from him. I am, of course, aware that the coal miners have responded splendidly to the appeals for men which have been made, and I am also aware of the importance of the coal-mining industry at the present time. I may add that the coal mines in South Wales which supply the Navy have been for some time closed to recruiting.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman state the date when 497 these mines in South Wales were closed for recruiting?
§ Mr. TENNANTPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to give me notice of that question.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it has a very important bearing upon my question?
§ Mr. TENNANTMy answer is that the coal mines in South Wales which have supplied the Navy have been closed for some time. The hon. Gentleman must form his own estimate of what that means.