HC Deb 09 April 1940 vol 359 c473
83. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of wage-earners on the colliery books at the present time in South and West Yorkshire, respectively; and the comparative figures for the end of August, 1939?

Mr. Shakespeare (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I have been asked to reply in the absence of my hon. Friend, who is indisposed. It is not in the public interest to publish this information.

Mr. Smith

Is it not a fact that it would be in the public interest if something were done to absorb in the mining industry those miners who are now unemployed? What is the Department doing towards that end?

Mr. Shakespeare

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put that Question down.