HC Deb 20 October 1942 vol 383 cc1821-2
29. Mr. Barstow

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in how many cases instructions have been given by the Regional Coal Controllers as to the seams to be worked and the methods of conducting underground operations; and whether any changes have been required in the managing staff of the less efficient collieries with a view to obtaining an increase in output?

Mr. T. Smith

Regional Controllers and their staffs are constantly discussing with the various colliery companies in their regions possible methods of increasing output, and their suggestions have already been put into effect in a number of cases. Changes in managerial staff have also been put into effect in certain cases.

Mr. Barstow

Will my hon. Friend reply to the first part of my Question, to which I would like a definite answer?

Mr. Smith

At the moment it is impossible to give statistics to show in how many cases this is being done.

Mr. Barstow

That means that there are no cases.

Mr. Smith

Not at all.

30. Mr. Barstow

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is satisfied that the Regional Coal Controllers are sufficiently well supplied with technical staff to enable them to give effective instructions, designed to increase output, to the managements of individual collieries?

Mr. Smith

I can assure the hon. Member that active steps are being taken to ensure that the Regional Controllers of the Ministry of Fuel and Power are fully supplied with adequate technical staff. They have already secured, for their senior staff, men of high qualifications and the latter are at present in the process of selecting the best available technical assistants.

Mr. Barstow

Have many instructions been sent to the managements of collieries on how to work their pits?

Mr. Smith

I think the Question relates to the provision of adequate technical staff. Seniors have been appointed, but in some districts there has been a little difficulty in the way of getting suitable technical assistants.