HC Deb 31 July 1923 vol 167 c1262
40. Captain ROGERSON

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the percentage of absenteeism amongst coal hewers during the last month for which returns are available?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX

Particulars of absenteeism amongst coal hewers are not separately available. For all classes of colliery workers, both above and below ground, the number of man-shifts lost that could have been worked during April last was rather more than 8 per cent. of the total number of shifts that were, or could have been, worked.

Mr. LAWSON

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give us the percentage of absentees among directors of colliery companies for the same period?

Mr. R. RICHARDSON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the large amount of lost time consequent upon the lack of ventilation in many of the older mines of the country, as a result of which men have to absent themselves from work?

Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGAN rose

Mr. SPEAKER

Any further question must be put down.

Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGAN

On a point of Order. I wanted to ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman whether he is aware—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] This is a very important point.

Mr. SPEAKER

It is not a point of Order.

Mr. J. JONES

You made him a colonel, and now you will not listen to him.