HC Deb 21 October 1941 vol 374 cc1616-7
37. Mr. Sloan

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the difficulty and expense incurred by workers transferred to the mining industry in securing outfit of suitable clothes and tools; and whether he will consider the possibility of making a grant to enable them to secure this equipment?

The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)

I am not aware that difficulty has arisen in actual supply: special arrangements were made for supply of working clothes free of coupon, and the few minor difficulties which arose regarding supply of tools were readily surmounted. Colliery owners were asked to make advances to men who needed them.

Mr. Sloan

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that many of these men have been compulsorily transferred and have to face this expenditure before they can start work, and is he prepared to reconsider the matter?

Mr. Grenfell

My hon. Friend knows quite well that the equipment required by men who have been several years away from the industry varies very much. So far as I know, we have met the hard cases.

Mrs. Tate

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I recently sent him details of the case of a miner who was asked to report at a pit and was only given one day's notice and had to spend £3 out of his own pocket to obtain clothing and instruments?

Mr. Grenfell

The men's needs are varied; men who have been away six months may have all their gear, while men who have been away longer periods may have lost part of their gear. We take every case on its merits.

Mr. Gordon Macdonald

Have not these men been put to expense already in the industries in which they have been working, and in so far as they have to provide new kit will my hon. Friend provide for them?

Mr. Grenfell

We have given instructions to the owners to that effect.