HC Deb 10 October 1940 vol 365 cc465-6
2. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to provide alternative employment to men rendered idle by the closing of collieries; and whether he will consider the possibilities of locating new Government establishments in the areas that are affected by the closing of coal mines?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Assheton)

Special steps are being taken to place unemployed miners in employment in other industries, and many hundreds of miners have already been placed in work in iron-one mining, in the chemical industries, in public works contracting and in other employment. Arrangements have recently been made for the immediate transfer of between 800 and 900 men from the northern coalfields to employment in other coal mines or in other industries in the south. Arrangements are also in force for placing new factories, so far as technical and strategic considerations permit, in districts where suitable labour is likely to be available.

Mr. Griffiths

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the desirability of establishing new factories in those areas, so as to prevent the danger of creating new derelict areas where there is no work?

Mr. Assheton

That matter is very clearly in the mind of the Government.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Does that answer mean that no obstacle whatever will be put in the way of miners who desire to take alternative employment?

Mr. Assheton

That is a matter which concerns my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines as well as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, and I think a question might perhaps be addressed to the Secretary for Mines on that subject.

Mr. Lawson

While it is true that a certain number of men from the North have been placed in employment, a thing which we appreciate, is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are still thousands of these people unemployed, and that a great number of them are men who have been working in pits that have always been working regularly? In view of the situation pointed out by the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths), would it be possible to resume public works, because that would give the men a feeling that they are really having the consideration of the Government?

Mr. Assheton

That is another question, but I can assure the House that my right hon. Friend has this whole matter very clearly in mind, and is doing what he can in collaboration with the Secretary for Mines.

Mr. Lawson

Is the hon. Member aware that pubic works were stopped at the outbreak of the war and that some schemes were held up, and will he give consideration to the resumption of those schemes?

Mr. Assheton

There is the question of the availability of materials, as well as the labour situation to be considered in such cases.