§ 12. Mr. OSWALD LEWISasked 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. FOOTThe 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. WILLIAMSCan 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. FOOTI imagine that of the many factors contributing to this result that may be one, but I am not qualified to express an opinion.