HC Deb 03 March 1936 vol 309 c1163
9. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of underground wage-earners on the colliery books at the latest date available, and the comparative figures for 1930 and 1924?

Captain CROOKSHANK

It is estimated that at 22nd February, 1936, 608,500 wage-earners were employed below-ground at coal mines in Great Britain. The estimated numbers so employed at the corresponding dates in 1924 and 1930 were 962,500 and 777,100 respectively.

Mr. SMITH

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what the policy of the Government is with regard to this tremendous decrease in mine workers?

Captain CROOKSHANK

Not in reply to a question of fact like this.

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

How many of these persons were, in fact, not at work on the dates mentioned?

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