§ 2. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can give any information as to increases of coal output since the recent rise in miners' wages?
§ 9. Mr. Molsonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can give the figures of output of coal per miner per week during the first six months of the present year; and the corresponding figure for the period subsequent to the coming into operation of the Greene award?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe incidence of the holiday season, which has only just concluded, together with other variable factors, make it impracticable, as yet, to draw any definite conclusion as to the effect of the award on output. But I am bound to say that the evidence available to date is not at all reassuring.
§ Mr. KeelingIn view of the paramount importance of increasing the coal output, would my right hon. and gallant Friend consider renewing the application made by his predecessor for the return of miners from the Army?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the evidence is so far not reassuring, can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give any indication as to the causes of the trouble and whether it is not due to the fact that there are not sufficient men available for the purpose of producing coal?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe actual number of men available at the moment is slightly in excess of what it was last year.