HC Deb 15 September 1931 vol 256 cc664-5
12. Mr. OSWALD LEWIS

asked the Secretary for Mines how many less workers are employed in the coal mines in this country than were so employed at the end of last year?

Mr. FOOT

The number of wage-earners employed at coal mines in Great Britain on the 27th December, 1930, was 885,400, and on the 5th September, 1931, 822,100, a decrease of 63,300.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea how far the increased output during the last few years is responsible for the reduced number of employés in the mines?

Mr. FOOT

I imagine that of the many factors contributing to this result that may be one, but I am not qualified to express an opinion.