41. Mr. Holmesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many separate colliery undertakings were in operation in Yorkshire in December, 1925; December, 1939; and December, 1945; and the number of persons employed on these respective dates.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe number of separate owners of mines producing coal in the district of Yorkshire, as defined for the purpose of wages ascertainment, was 200 in December, 1925; 132 in December, 971 1939; and 122 in December, 1945. The corresponding number of wage earners on colliery books at mid December in each year was 192,900, 144,000 and 139,400 respectively.