57. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary for Mines what has been the number of men in the coal-mining industry who have become unemployed as the result of the working of the quota system under the Coal Mines Act since 1st January, 1931; and what increased expenditure 2144 this has involved in the payment of unemployment allowances?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)Although the incidence of employment may have been affected, I am not prepared to admit that there has been any appreciable reduction in the numbers employed in the coal-mining industry as the result of the operation of the quota system. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask if that is the hon. Gentleman's private opinion, or is it the opinion of his Department and his officers?
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Thorne.