§ 71. Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average output per man-shift at those collieries which have become necessitous undertakings in the Lancashire coalfield and the average figures for the other collieries in that district.
Major Lloyd GeorgeDuring the 13 weeks ended 1st April, 1944, the output of saleable coal per manshift worked was 15.66 cwts. at the necessitous undertakings in Lancashire and 17.36 cwts. at the rest of the collieries in that district.
§ Mr. FosterIs the Minister aware that when a colliery becomes a necessitous undertaking, the incentive of profit has ceased to exist?
§ 72. Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the reasons for an increasing number of collieries becoming necessitous undertakings; and what steps he is taking to deal with this situation in view of the falling output at such collieries.
Major Lloyd GeorgeThere has actually been a slight decrease in recent months in the number of colliery undertakings receiving assistance. During the same period output at the necessitous undertakings, whether taken as a whole or in Lancashire only, has shown an increase.