HC Deb 30 July 1946 vol 426 cc755-7
9. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what instructions he has given, or proposes to

Mr. Shinwell

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with the right hon. Member's permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The number of persons injured, but not seriously, during 1945 will be available in October.

The figures are as follow:

these figures for the year can be expedited and made available a little less than nine months after the end of the year?

Mr. Shinwell

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman. I think they should have been made available, but we have been pressed, particularly as regards the provision of petroleum statistics, which we are anxious to include in the report. I will do my best to expedite the statement.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Will the figures include the number of miners disabled through pneumoconiosis?

Mr. Shinwell

I rather think, yes.

The figures are as follow:

give, to the National Coal Board in the direction of giving employment to ex-Servicemen.

Mr. Shinwell

None, Sir. I am sure the National Coal Board will give due weight to any previous service by applicants in the Armed Forces.

Colonel Hutchison

In view of the Government's often-declared policy of urging employers to absorb as many ex-Servicemen as possible into their employment, will the Minister bear constantly in mind the desirability of nationalised industries at least keeping pace with private enterprise?

Mr. Shinwell

Where the National Coal Board is bound to accept, under the Bill, obligations which were previously imposed on colliery owners—and that may include the employment of ex-Servicemen, of course—these commitments will be fulfilled.

Major Lloyd

When the right hon. Gentleman has exhausted the possibilities of employing all our own ex-Servicemen, will he exercise his great influence on the miners to get them to accept a certain number, at any rate, of Polish ex-Servicemen?

Mr. Shinwell

As I have already pointed out, I think in last week's Debate, there are not so many Polish miners available as some hon. Members seem to think.

Mr. Gallacher

If this matter is considered, will the Minister see that no Pole is employed while still retained as a member of General Anders' Army or the British Army?