HC Deb 18 April 1928 vol 216 c176
28. Mr. JENKINS

asked the Secretary for Mines what number of collieries have closed down in the South Wales coalfield up to the last available date; and the number of workmen affected from January, 1927?

Commodore KING

Since 1st January, 1927, 192 pits in South Wales, normally employing 30,000 wage-earners, have closed and not re-opened. Of these pits, 81 employed less than 10 men each.

Mr. PALING

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many are permanently uneconomic and how many have been closed temporarily because of the present depression in trade?

Commodore KING

No, Sir.