HC Deb 05 June 1945 vol 411 cc657-8
7. Mr. Cocks

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many man-shifts have been lost this year at Hucknall No. 1 pit owing to underground workers being sent home because no work was available for them; whether he will give the estimated amount of coal production lost through this cause, the amount of wages paid for men standing idle, and the number of workmen affected.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd Georģe)

Hucknall No. 1 and No. 2 pits have been connected underground since 2nd September, 1944,and consequently no separate returns for each pit have been made. I regret, therefore, I am unable to give the information requested by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Cocks

Can the Minister say whether the situation as envisaged in the Question is still continuing?

Major Lloyd Georģ

The concentration of these two pits which took place in September still continues. Whilst there is difficulty in obtaining transport there has been an improvement in output which has been quite substantial. I hope the position will be quite normal before long.

8 and 9. Mr. Cocks

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) how many man-shifts have been lost this year in the Nottinghamshire coalfield owing to underground workers being sent home because no work was available; whether he will give the estimated tonnage lost through this cause; the amount of wages paid for men standing idle; the number of workmen affected; and the names of the collieries at which this occurred;

(2) why a certain number of underground workers in the Nottinghamshire coalfield, although receiving the guaranteed wage, have not been found continuous employment.

Major Lloyd Georģ

Eighty thousand man-shifts were lost by underground workers in the Nottinghamshire district from 1st January to 12th May, 1945, owing to work not being available. This figure includes lost shifts arising from wagon shortages and also those of men who have become redundant under the concentration schemes. The corresponding loss of output was 160,000 tons and the payments made to the men concerned amounted to £82,000. The number of men involved is not known. All the collieries in the district except one were affected.

Mr. Cocks

Is it surprising that the output per man-shift is falling when this appalling state of affairs continues? [Interruption.] Then what is it due to—the inefficiency of the Ministry of Mines?

Major Lloyd Georģ

With regard to the pits mentioned in the first Question, output has not fallen but increased since concentration took place. Of the loss 01 160,000 tons referred to by far the largest part is due to wagon shortage, which is entirely outside my control.

Mr. Shinwell

As this loss is not attributable to the miners, will the Minister say what he and his organisation have done to correct the position, and to see that the wagon shortage is corrected?

Major Lloyd Georģ

The hon. Member will be surprised to know that this situation is not unusual in this particular part of the world. Every effort has been made to try to get the position put right. There has been a great deal of improvement, but there are times when owing to operational needs, the area suffers considerably, and this cause is outside my control.

Mr. Shinwell

Are we to understand from the answer that loss in output is not always due to the miners?

Major Lloyd Georģ

I have answered the Question on the Paper. The Question asked what the losses were. I have stated that of the loss of 160,000 tons in this particular coalfield by far the largest part was due to lack of transport.