§ 12. Mr. EDWARD WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of vacancies in the Kent coalfield for which miners have recently been sought, and the number called to the employment exchange to fill the vacancies?
§ Mr. E. BROWNIt is anticipated that several hundreds of men will be required for the Kent coalfields before the end of the year. These opportunities of employment have recently been brought to the notice of unemployed workpeople in other areas by the employment exchanges, and, as a result, particulars of about 1,100 apparently suitable workpeople have been submitted for consideration by the company; 216 have so far been engaged.
§ 13. Mr. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour whether employment in the Kent coalfield is subject to medical examination, and the number who have recently been rejected for this reason; and whether unemployment benefit will be prejudiced?
§ Mr. BROWNThe answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." I understand that 14 applicants for employment have been rejected on medical grounds this year. Eligibility for unemployment benefit is determined, as the hon. Member is aware, by the independent statutory authorities, but I am not aware of any cases in which a claim has been disallowed in these circumstances.