§ 4. Sir William Darlingasked the Minister of Labour how many men are employed in Scotland and Great Britain in the peat industry; and what are the possibilities of creating employment in rural districts in connection with the industry.
§ Mr. IsaacsInformation as to the number of men employed in this industry is not available. As to the second part of the Question, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power that a survey of peat sites which could be worked on an economic basis is at present being carried out, but it is not considered that this can be expected to provide more than a limited amount of additional employment in particular localities.
§ Sir W. DarlingMay I take it that the Minister will have in mind that there are over 70,000 men and women unemployed in Scotland, and that there is a shortage of fuel?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir, but we do not expect to find all of them jobs digging peat.
§ Mr. Wilson HarrisWill the Minister prevent the peat sites of Dartmoor from being interfered with by the military?