HC Deb 20 January 1942 vol 377 cc180-1
6. Sir Granville Gibson

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in accordance with an agreement with the men's representatives, the Yorkshire Coal Owners' Association, decided in the national interest to limit the Christmas holidays to three days in Christmas week and work on New Year's Day; that absenteeism on New Year's Day was 47.08 per cent., representing a lost tonnage of 56,944 tons of coal urgently required, and what action he has taken in this matter of wilful absenteeism, following the repeated appeals of the Government for regular attendance at the pits?

Mr. Grenfell

I am informed that the figure of absenteeism on New Year's Day quoted by the hon. Member corresponds with the result of the return taken by the South Yorkshire Coalowners' Association. Machinery under the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Order exists for dealing with absenteeism through reports made by colliery managements to Pit Production Committees. Both District and Pit Production Committees have been made fully aware of the urgent need for increasing output by every means open to them, including the reduction of avoidable absenteeism. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by independent action on my part in regard to this case.

Sir G. Gibson

Does the hon. Gentleman expect that he will be able so to control the miners that they will keep to the agreements they have made?

Mr. Grenfell

This is only a very small incident in the general activities of the mining industry. I am sure my hon. Friend will be pleased to know that the average number of days worked by miners last year was higher than it has been for many years past.

Sir G. Gibson

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the loss of 60,000 tons in one small area is a minor incident?

Mr. Grenfell

No, it is not a minor incident, but let us put it in its right proportion. The purpose of the Pit Production Committees is to increase production. We need every ton of additional output, and we deplore these losses as much as anyone.

Mr. G. Macdonald

Does the hon. Gentleman think that to over-emphasise this aspect of the matter does harm to the war effort?

Mr. Grenfell

That is the effect of what I said.

Mr. T. Smith

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that discussions are taking place in this coalfield on the question, and that it does not improve the position to refer only to one side of it?

Mr. Grenfell

I do not desire to attribute blame. I want to encourage everybody to do better and to discourage avoidable absenteeism.