43. Captain A. EVANSasked the Secretary for Mines the number of mines which have re-started in the South Wales area and the number of men they now employ, together with the corresponding figures for April last; and whether he has any statistics showing the comparative output now, as compared with the period specified?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane Fox)At the 4th December, 1926, the latest date for which information is available, 443 mines in South Wales had restarted, and 107,400 persons were employed. At the end of April last 461, employing 215,700 persons, were at work. As work was only in process of being resumed in South Wales during the week ended 4th December, it is not possible to give figures of output which are comparable with those in April.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many miners have been refused employment when work has been available?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThat does not arise on this question.