§ 4. Sir John Mellorasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered a communication from the Tamworth Rural District Council, dated 28th May, 1941, calling his attention to the hardship to the older employés of the Tamworth colliery and the aggravated local shortage of coal, expected to result from the closing of the Tamworth pit; and whether he will make a statement?
§ Mr. GrenfellI have considered the letter of 28th May from the Tamworth Rural District Council, to which a reply was sent on 31st May. As I informed the hon. Member in reply to a Question on 22nd May, the men no longer required at 7 Tamworth Colliery will be absorbed elsewhere in the district. I am advised that no difficulty has been experienced in placing the men so far available, and that none is anticipated in the future.
§ Sir J. MellorIs the Minister aware that local opinion holds to the view that only a small proportion of the older men will be absorbed by other collieries, and that in consequence there will be an immediate loss of production to the Warwickshire coalfield? Will the Minister give an assurance that local consumers of coal will obtain alternative supplies from other sources?
§ Mr. GrenfellI am assured that there will be no delay in placing these men in neighbouring collieries, and I am also assured that the result of transferring these men from the Tamworth colliery to better collieries will be to increase and not to reduce production.