§ 73. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking to ensure that the coal mines are being worked to their fullest capacity to produce the coal required for the home and export markets?
§ Mr. LloydOn 13th September I asked the Mining Association and the Mine-workers' Federation of Great Britain to 1816 consider jointly what measures were necessary to increase the output of coal to meet the anticipated increased demand, and I am giving continuous attention to the numerous factors which affect the output of coal.
§ Mr. LipsonCan my hon. Friend say that the measures which he has in contemplation will provide that all miners who have hitherto been unemployed will be employed full time?
§ Mr. LloydThis is a matter which the Mineworkers' Federation and the Mining Association desire to consider together in the first instance.
§ Mr. ShinwellBut is not the hon. Member aware that in many coalfields miners are at the present time working only three shifts a week, due to the dislocation of the transport system, and can he do nothing about that?
§ Mr. LloydI am aware that in certain exporting districts, owing to the difficulties which naturally attend the export of coal at the beginning of war, there is a certain amount of short working, as the hon. Member has mentioned, but I am informed that conditions in that respect are improving. As I have said, I am in touch with the Mining Association and the Mineworkers Federation, who wish to consider this matter themselves in the first instance.
§ Mr. ShinwellBut does not the hon. Gentleman appreciate that this is a matter of urgent importance, particularly from the standpoint of continuing exports of coal?
§ Mr. LloydYes, Sir, I do appreciate that, and it was because I appreciated it that immediately after the outbreak of war I got into touch with the Mining Association and the Mineworkers' Federation.