HC Deb 11 April 1935 vol 300 cc1334-5
65. Mr. KENNETH LINDSAY

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons employed in the mining industry, and also the number unemployed over the age of 60?

Mr. E. BROWN

At the 30th March, the, number of wage-earners on colliery books was 769,900. I regret that information as to the number unemployed over the age of 60 is not available.

Mr. G. HALL

Will the hon. Member try to get these figures because in the light of the new pension scheme which he has just announced in connection with South Wales they would be very valueable?

Mr. BROWN

I think it very doubtful whether I can get them because unemployment insurance figures cover only those between the ages of 16 and 64.

Mr. MARTIN

Has the hon. Member any idea of the discrepancy between those registered as unemployed in the mining industry and those who no longer have any hope of being employed in that industry?

Mr. BROWN indicated dissent.