HC Deb 07 December 1944 vol 406 cc698-9
5. Mr. Donald Scott

asked the Minister of Labour what is the weekly average of absenteeism in industries other than coal-mining and particularly in the basic industries of cotton, iron, steel and engineering for the year 1943, distinguishing the absenteeism of men and women.

Mr. Bevin

I regret that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not available.

Mr. Scott

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it only fair to the miners that comparable figures should be given for other industries?

Mr. Bevin

In the mining industry, of course, the figures are supplied—I sometimes think that they get an overdose of statistics—but for me to do it over a wide range of industries would involve great numbers of staff which I can ill afford for the purpose at the moment.

Major Woolley

How is it that the Minister of Fuel and Power can say that absenteeism in the mining industry is no greater than in other industries, if the figures for other industries are not known?

Mr. Bevin

My hon. and gallant Friend had better address that question to the Minister of Fuel and Power.