§ 6. Mr. G. Macdonaldasked the Secretary for Mines what is the number of miners who have returned to work in the mines during the last three months; how many have been prosecuted for refusing to return; and how many have been certified as medically unfit to return?
Mr. Whiteley (Comptroller of the Household)I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Minister of Labour.
During the three months ending 6th November, 1941, just over 20,000 ex-miners reported for work at collieries. During approximately the same period eight ex-miners were prosecuted for failure to obey directions to return to the mines; in each case a conviction was secured. Prosecution is under consideration in 87 more cases. I regret that information is not available as to the number of men certified as unfit.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWill my hon. Friend convey to the Minister that there is deep resentment against the action of the Ministry in this connection, especially when men are directed to return to the pit, although they are already employed on work of national importance, and are asked to return to the pit at less than half the wages they are getting elsewhere?
§ Mr. ShinwellIs my hon. Friend aware that 11,000 ex-miners have been promised to return to the Yorkshire pits, and that up to now only 3,000 have actually returned?