§ 10. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary for Mines how many men were employed in the shale-mining and oil industry at the end of the War; how many are at present employed; and whether any estimate has been prepared of the increased number of men who will be engaged in the industry within a reasonable period as a result of the new guarantee given by the Government?
§ Mr. E. BROWNJust after the end of the War it is estimated that about 9,500 persons were employed in the Scottish shale oil industry. Since December last a scheme has been in operation under which as many employs as practicable work three consecutive weeks and are idle for the fourth week. Under this scheme employment has been found for nearly 900 additional men, making the present total numbers employed about 4,100. I am unable to give any estimate of the probable effect of the guarantee on future employment in this industry.