§ 9. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines how many colliery companies in Lancashire have amalgamated since 1931, the names of the two largest companies at present and the number of employés they have, and the total number of mineworkers in Lancashire?
Captain CROOKSHANKSince the end of 1931, seven colliery companies in Lancashire have amalgamated with or been absorbed by other companies. The two largest companies at present operating in Lancashire are the Manchester Collieries, Limited, employing 14,814 wage-earners, and the Wigan Coal Corporation, Limited, employing 9,930 wage-earners. The total number of wage-earners on colliery books in Lancashire for the week ended 13th July, 1935, was 59,641.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that these amalgamations cause a number of men to be thrown out of employment, generally the older men? Is his Department taking any steps to give compensation to the men who are thrown out of work because of amalgamations?
§ Mr. PIKEIs it not the fact that these amalgamations have created greater efficiency in production and distribution?