§ 30. Mr. FORRESTasked the Minister of Labour whether the Government is considering any schemes to find employment for the miners who have permanently lost their employment in the mines; and, if so, what action is contemplated or is being taken in connection with this matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)As the hon. Member will know, the extent to which miners will not be reabsorbed depends on a great many factors, and it would be premature, indeed impossible, to attempt to deal with it until the position becomes much clearer 1647 than it is at present. I can assure the hon. Member, however, that it is a problem which is engaging the close attention of the Government.
§ Mr. OLIVERMay I ask what steps the Ministry is taking to see that men whom the colliery companies have refused to take back on the ground of the active part they took during the strike, are reinstated?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThat is an entirely different question, and if the hon. Gentleman will either put down a question or see me, I will give him what information I can.
§ Mr. PALINGDo I understand that the Minister is going to do nothing in this respect until he sees what effect the lengthening of the working day is going to have on the industry?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo; what I said was that it would be premature to give any information until we know the size of the problem we have to face.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the hon. Gentleman of opinion that the lengthening of the working day will increase the number of men employed in the industry?