§ 31. Mr. FORRESTasked the Secretary for Mines the daily output of coal per man working in this country now; what it was in pre-War days; and what it is for the corresponding periods in Belgium and France?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXThe output per manshift in Great Britain was 20¼ cwts. in June, 1914, and 18 cwts. in the first quarter of 1925. In France it was 13¾ cwts. in 1913 and 11 cwts. in 1924. In Belgium it was 10½ cwts. in 1913 and 9¼ cwts. in the first quarter of 1925.
§ Mr. J. GUESTCan the hon. and gallant Member say how the average is arrived at? Is it calculated on the men actually engaged at the face, or does the estimate include all the workers about the mine, including the surface men?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question had better be put down on the Paper.
§ Mr. FORRESTAre the same number of hours per week calculated?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXThe answer refers to the output per manshift. As the hon. Member knows, the hours are different.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIs it not a fact that the average hours on the Continent, in France, Belgium and Germany, are nearly two hours per shift more than here?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI am not sure whether the figure is two hours, but, certainly, the hours are longer.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs he aware that the mines in France and Belgium are more scientifically equipped than the British mines for output, and in spite of the fact that we are not up-to-date in the scientific getting of coal we compare very favourably in output with these Continental mines?