HC Deb 17 July 1934 vol 292 cc919-20
4. Mr. D. GRENFELL

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the number of boys under 16 and of young persons under 21 years of age employed in the South Wales coalfields, with the percentage of the total number employed represented in each group?

Mr. E. BROWN

At 16th December, 1933, the latest date for which the information is available, the, number of boys under 16 years of age employed in the South Wales coalfield was 5,131 or 3.6 per cent. of the total number of persons employed. Particulars in respect of young persons under 21 years of age are not available but the number between 16 and 20 years of age was 18,983 or 13.2 per cent. of the total.

Major COLFOX

Could the hon. Gentleman give the House a rough idea how many of these young persons, if any, are employed underground?

Mr. BROWN

Not without notice.

Mr. GRENFELL

Is it not the case that the majority of them are employed underground?

hon. Member's permission, circulate with the OFFICIAL REPORT such information as is available.

Mr. GRENFELL

Is the Department taking note of the effect of the change in lighting upon the number of cases of nystagmus reported?

Mr. BROWN

I hope to discuss that in discussing the reform of lighting regulations recently made.

Following is the reply:

Mr. BROWN

I prefer to give an accurate answer with notice.

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