HC Deb 02 April 1940 vol 359 cc17-8
26. Mr. A. Jenkins

asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is proposed to reopen any of the closed coal mines with a view to meeting the increasing demand for coal from overseas; and what plans he has for doing this?

Lieut.-Colonel Kerr

As the hon. Member knows the question of reopening pits is one of the subjects under consideration by the Mining Association and the Mine-workers' Federation. It must not, however, be assumed that the re-opening of pits is in all cases the most effective way of utilising the man-power available.