§ 35. Mr. MILLARasked the Under-Secretary for the Home Department how far the recommendations made by the Home Office Committee on Coal Production during the war have been carried out; and what steps have been taken to obtain the maximum output of coal at the collieries?
§ Mr. BRACEIt would not be possible within the limits of an answer to give all the information desired by my hon. Friend. He will find some information in the second report of the Coal Mining Organisation Committee, and additional information will be given in a further report which I understand will shortly be submitted. I may mention, however, that as a result of the steps taken, a marked reduction in absenteeism has already been effected, holidays have been curtailed, and the number of days worked increased by 1207 the abandonment of customary stop days. Further, at the present moment, after conference between the Mining Association and Miners' Federation, special measures are in course of being taken to bring about a still further reduction in absenteeism. It has also been decided that no more men are to be recruited for the Forces from among the miners. The Government are fully alive to the great importance of taking all possible steps to increase the available supplies of coal.
§ 36. Mr. MILLARasked whether any inquiry has been instituted by the Home Office as to the causes of the short time being worked at some collieries; and what steps have been taken to secure the working of the pits as continuously as possible throughout the week?
§ Mr. BRACEThe Coal Mining Organisation Committee has given close and constant attention to these questions, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the two reports which have already been issued by the Committee.