HC Deb 01 July 1942 vol 381 cc212-3
59. Mr. Sloan

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount in lieu of wages has been paid to Scottish miners under the guaranteed wage where workmen, capable and available for work, have been unable to obtain same?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. T. Smith)

During the operation of the Essential Work (Coal Mining Industry) Order the payments of guaranteed wage to Scottish miners have totalled £183,576. That is the amount from the beginning of June, 1941, to 26th June, 1942.

Mr. Foster

What steps, if any, are being taken to ascertain the causes of these losses, and who is responsible?

Mr. Smith

Knowing the difficulty on that point, I will certainly make inquiries with regard to it.

Mr. Sloan

Is my hon. Friend aware that this represents a loss of 150,000 shifts, with a probable loss of nearly 200,000 tons of coal, in Scotland, and is he able to give any reason why this enormous loss has been incurred?

Mr. Smith

Certainly, I know what it represents, but the Question concerned certain facts, and if my hon. Friend has any other point in mind, perhaps he will put down another Question.

Mr. Sloan rose

——

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Lipson.

Mr. Sloan

Am I not entitled to ask for information?

Mr. Speaker

Did not the hon. Member hear the Minister say that he would give an answer if another Question was put on the Order Paper?