§ 14. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister what steps have been taken during recent 14 weeks to restore the position of coal supply; whether miners have been withdrawn from the Army to serve in the mines; and whether he can make a reassuring statement on the outlook?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Albert Stanley)The progress of the release of coal miners from the Army has been substantially accelerated during the past two months. Up to the 12th October the number was 25,899. The majority are men of B2 and B3 category, but the scope of the release scheme was extended at the beginning of September to include men of B1 category (who may for coal mining purposes be regarded as equivalent to A men), and a substantial proportion of B1 men are included amongst the numbers recently released. I am hopeful that, as a result of appeals which are being made to the coal owners and miners, the output of coal will be improved; but the situation is serious and demands the most rigorous economy in consumption.
§ Mr. FIELDCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether some of this increased supply will go to Ireland to meet requirements there?
§ Sir A. STANLEYIf I remember rightly Ireland is receiving now more than its fair share.
§ Mr. A. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of men of low category who applied to be sent back to the coal mines are at once sent before a medical board and put up to A 1, and are stopped from going back?
§ Sir A. STANLEYNo; I am not aware of that.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIf I send the right hon. Gentleman cases will he have them considered?
§ Mr. ALDENCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this policy of withdrawing men from the Colours and putting them back to the mines will be continued?
§ Sir A. STANLEYI am not in a position to give any answer to that.
§ Mr. BYRNEWhere does the right hon. Gentleman receive the information that Ireland is getting a fair share of coal? [HON. MEMBERS: "More!"] Is he aware that it is only going to one favoured spot of Ireland?
§ Sir A. STANLEYI base my statements on the figures.
§ Colonel WHELERCan the right hon. Gentleman say what number of men have come back and how many are working at the coal face?
§ Sir A. STANLEYI cannot give the exact figures. I think under one-half.
§ Colonel Sir H. GREENWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman got out of the Army all the miners asked for in order to stave off the coal famine?
§ Sir A. STANLEYI have not received the full returns.