HC Deb 30 July 1946 vol 426 cc759-60
15. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of working days lost by reason of industrial disputes during the first six months of 1946; and how many of these relate to the coal industry.

Mr. Ness Edwards

1,166,000 days were lost in all disputes in progress in the first six months of 1946. Of these 264,000 were lost in coalmining.

Mr. Williamson

Can my hon. Friend give the figures for 1919 as a comparison?

Mr. Edwards

Days lost in all disputes in 1919, 11,776,000; coalmining, 2,700,000

Sir Waldron Stnithers

Will the Minister carry out an educative campaign among all the workers of the country to tell them that, unless there is adequate production behind paper money, there will be a decline in purchasing power?

Mr. Edwards

I thought that the production campaign, in which hon. Members from both sides have been assisting, was carrying out the wish of the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Henry Usborne

Can my hon. Friend give us comparative figures for this country and America?

Mr. Edwards

It would be impossible to make such a survey in answer to a supplementary question.