§ 4. Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are taken by his regional controllers to inquire into the causes of the low output at those collieries which are necessitous undertakings; and whether he is satisfied that the best use is being made of the manpower available to increase output.
Major Lloyd GeorgeWhenever an undertaking finds it necessary to seek help under the Necessitous Undertakings Scheme, full inquiries are made, both by my Regional Controller's Production Staff and by professional accountants, on behalf of the Necessitous Undertakings Committee, into the causes of difficulty. The resulting technical and financial reports are considered at a meeting of the Necessitous Undertakings Committee, which is attended by the Regional Controller, or his representative.
The production position of necessitous undertakings is kept under close review by my Regional Controllers and when necessary technical and financial supervisors are appointed. The Group Production Directors now being appointed in the Regions will pay particular attention to these undertakings. 1172 As regards the last part of the Question, every effort is made to increase output, and the general efficiency of the industry, by making the best use of the man-power available.