33. Mr. W. M. WATSONasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that there are 6,000 totally unemployed miners in the county of Fife; that many of the mines are working little more than half-time; and if he has any information showing to what extent the longer working day has contributed to this state of affairs?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe hon. Member has overstated the number of men unemployed, but I am aware that both employment and output in the coal mines of Fife during the present year have been less than in the corresponding period of last year. I have no reason to suppose that a larger output could have been marketed or more men found employment if the hours had been shorter and the costs of production higher.
Mr. WATSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I got these figures from the Ministry of Labour a few days ago?