HC Deb 01 February 1940 vol 356 cc1239-40
20. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Minister of Labour how many miners in Scotland were registered at the Employment Exchanges as unemployed at the last available date; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the relations between the supply of labour for coal-mining and the shortage of coal in Scotland?

Mr. E. Brown

I am having the desired figures extracted and will forward them to the hon. Member in due course. As regards the second part of the Question, I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines that the shortage of coal in some areas of Scotland is due to the abnormal weather conditions and consequent transport difficulties.

Mr. Gibson

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to his hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines that the unemployed miners in Scotland might well be employed for the purpose of creating a reserve of coal to meet such an emergency as he was not prepared for during the last few days?