HC Deb 14 July 1931 vol 255 cc214-5
7. Mr. TINKER

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of pneumatic coal picks there are in use in the coal mines of Great Britain; the amount of coal produced by them during 1930; and the county or district that has the greatest number in use?

Mr. SHINWELL

During 1930, 2,214 pneumatic picks were in use for getting coal at mines in Great Britain; 601,152 tons were got by 371 picks which were used in conjunction with coal-cutting machines and 2,495,084 tons by 1,843 picks used independently. The district using the greatest number of such picks was Durham, namely, 758.

Mr. LAWTHER

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what difference in wages the use of these picks has meant to the men using them?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is another question.