HC Deb 17 April 1934 vol 288 c883
40. Miss WARD

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can give the output in the mining industry of the first quarter of the years 1931, 1932, 1933, and 1934, respectively?

Mr. E. BROWN

The output of coal in Great Britain during the first quarter of 1931 was 57,311,000 tons. The corresponding figures for the years 1932 to 1934 were 55,847,000, 56,177,000, and 59,669,000 tons. It should be noted that the output in 1931 was affected by a dispute in South Wales and that in 1932 and 1934 by the incidence, in whole or in part, of the Easter holidays.

Miss WARD

Does my hon. Friend attribute this improvement in trade in the main to the policy pursued by the National Government?

Mr. BROWN

Naturally.

Mr. BATEY

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us what the National Government have done?

Mr. BROWN

I have done that on many occasions, and I hope to do it on many more.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are fewer men working in the mines?

Mr. BROWN

I am aware that they are working more shifts per week.