HC Deb 23 June 1936 vol 313 cc1582-3
35. Mr. ROWSON

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons employed in the mining industry of Great Britain in the month of March each year for the years 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, and 1936, respectively?

Captain CROOKSHANK

The number of wage-earners on colliery books in Great Britain at the end of March, 1936, was 763,400. The corresponding figure for 1932 was 834,300, for 1933 790,600, for 1934 788,300, and for 1935 769,900.

Mr. ROWSON

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman convey that information to the Minister of Labour, in order to correct the misleading statement that he made in this House last Thursday?

Captain CROOKSHANK

The Minister of Labour made no misleading statement whatsoever, either in this House or anywhere else. The question I have been asked this afternoon is with regard to the figures of persons employed; the question that my right hon. Friend was asked was as to the figures of those unemployed. They are not the same thing.

36. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of wage-earners employed in the mining industry on the latest date available; the number so employed in Yorkshire and Durham, respectively; and the comparative figures for 1930 and 1933?

Captain CROOKSHANK

At lath June, 1936, there were 753,700 wage-earners on colliery books in Great Britain, including 137,400 in Yorkshire and 106,600 in Durham. At 17th June, 1933, the corresponding numbers were 766,400, 140,000, and 98,700 and at 14th June, 1930, 923,900, 168,600 and 136,300, respectively.

Mr. SMITH

Can the Secretary for Mines indicate what is the Government's policy with regard to this matter?

Captain CROOKSHANK

This is not the time to talk about policy; it is the time to answer questions.