§ 3. Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will state the number of youths who have-received full training, or are in course of training, under the scheme of the Minister of Labour for 1171 recruitment of mineworkers; and the number absorbed by the industry into full employment.
Major Lloyd GeorgeAt 25th April, the number of new entrants for the coal-mining industry who had completed their preliminary training at Ministry of Labour Training Centres was about 9,300 and the number still under training was about 4,200. On completion of this training, the men are directed to employment in the industry, and in that sense are fully employed, though many of them are still of course in various stages of further training, as required by the Coalmining (Training and Medical Examination) Order, 1944.
§ Mr. FosterWhile thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask for a more specific answer to the latter part of the Question? How many of these boys are in full employment below ground, and are on the colliery books?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI could not give the hon. Member that information now, but will let him have it as soon as possible.