HC Deb 09 July 1928 vol 219 c1831
17. Mr. BATEY

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of boys under 18 years of age employed in the coal mines of Great Britain during the years 1925 and 1927, respectively, and the number of shifts worked by them during the same years?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)

It is estimated that in 1925 the average number of boys under 18 years of age employed at mines under the Coal Mines Act was 120,500, and in 1927 101,150. The estimated total number of shifts worked was 30¼ million in 1925, and 24⅔ million in 1927.

Mr. BATEY

Is that a list of those under 18, or of total shifts, including everybody?

Commodore KING

The hon. Member asked me about those under 18, and that is what I have given.