§ 13. Sir A. Gridleyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average output in the year 1939 per coal face worker and per employee at the mines of Great Britain, respectively; and the relative figures so far available for the current year?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe average weekly output (allowing for the effect of holidays) in the year 1939 per coal-face worker was 14.73 tons, and per employee 6.08 tons; the figures for 1942, up to and including the week ending 12th September, are 14.48 tons and 5.71 tons respectively.
§ 15. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether any method, other than release of miners from the Forces, is expected to produce the extra coal required in the coming winter?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIt is not possible to deal with this question satisfactorily during Question Time, and I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement I hope to make during the forthcoming Debate.
§ 18. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how the present output of coal per coal-face worker per shift compares with the output a year ago?
Major Lloyd GeorgeBoth in August and September, 1941, the output per coalface worker per shift averaged 2.98 tons. In August this year, the average was 2.81 tons, and in the weeks in September for which figures are at present available—that is, the first two weeks—the output per shift worked at the face was 2.86 and 2.85 tons, respectively.