§ 43. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the present position in regard to coal production and consumption and on the man-power position in the coalmines?
Major Lloyd GeorgeProduction during the three months before Christmas improved, and the improvement if continued on that scale, together with the maintenance of the recent level of savings in consumption, would enable the coal budget to be balanced. As regards man-power, I am glad to be able to inform the House that the number of men recruited into the industry, particularly those coming from other industries, has exceeded the expectations of last summer. The effect of the additional men has been largely to offset natural wastage in the past four months.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the Minister aware of the considerable dissatisfaction at the slow progress made in providing means for the men at canteens, and will he take steps to accelerate it?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am fully aware of the matter, and I have done all I can. I will certainly continue to do so.
§ Mr. KirkwoodFrom what industries have men been taken into the mines? It was stated that men had been obtained from other industries where they were free to go into the mines, and I would like to know what the industries were.
Major Lloyd GeorgeThat was done under the arrangement made last year, concerning men formerly connected with the mining industry who had gone into other industries at different times.