§ 34. Brigadier-General BROOKEasked the Secretary for Mines the number of miners who have lost their work in the pits as a result of the coal strike, indicating the number of miners working on the 1st May and at the latest available date?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe number of persons employed in coal mines immediately before the dispute began last May was, in round figures, 1,100,000. At the latest date for which I have figures, namely the week ended 5th February, it was in round figures 1,000,000. But I urn unable to evaluate in figures all or any of the various factors which determine the number of persons employed at any given date.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman accept the implication in the question that these people lost their work through the coal strike, as it is termed?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe hon. Member had better read my answer.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many are working only half-time and how many part-time?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI cannot answer a statistical question like that without notice.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIn spite of the fact that they are alleged to be working only half-time, are they not producing more coal per week than they did in 1913?