§ 2. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines how many miners were on the colliery books on 1st August, 1931, and for the latest date for which figures are available?
Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. LAMBERT WARD (Vice-Chamberlain of the Household)I have been asked to reply. The number of wage-earners on colliery books at 1st August, 1931, was 825,300, and at the end of June, 1935, 757,100.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAre those the latest figures available?
§ Sir A. LAMBERT WARDYes, those are the latest.
§ Mr. T. SMITHCan the hon. and gallant Member say whether those figures include the salaried staff and clerks?
§ Sir A. LAMBERT WARDI understand not, but I will ask my hon. and gallant Friend to let the hon. Member know.
§ Mr. PIKECan the hon. and gallant Member say whether the reduction in the figures is due to the operation of the Coal Mines Act?
§ 3. Mr. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines what was the output of coal for the years 1930 and 1934, and the quantity exported during the same two years?
§ Sir A. LAMBERT WARDIn 1930, the output of coal in Great Britain was 243,882,000 tons, and the quantity of coal exported was 54,874,000 tons. The corresponding figures for 1934 were 220,726,000 tons and 39,660,000 tons.
1. Mr. T. WILLIAM (for Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHS)asked the Secretary for Mines the number of mine workers employed in South and West Yorkshire, respectively, on 30th June, 1929, 1931 and 1935, or the latest date available?
§ Sir A. LAMBERT WARDAt the end of June, 1929, 1931 and 1935, the number of wage-earners on colliery books in South Yorkshire was 117,400, 110,400 and 95,500 respectively. The corresponding figures for West Yorkshire were 52,100, 49,100 and 42,300.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWould the hon. and gallant- Gentleman tell the House why there has been such a colossal reduction since the National Government came into office?
§ Sir A. LAMBERT WARDI will convey the hon. Gentleman's request for information to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. T. SMITHWhat is the Government's policy in regard to this matter?