§ 32. Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Fuel and Power when the survey of British coalmines regarding vacancies and development work will be completed; and whether he will inform the House of the results.
§ Mr. ShinwellI regret that I am not in a position to add anything useful to my reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 27th February.
§ Mr. MurrayIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is a very important matter, and that if we get a good recruiting campaign which results in a lot of miners coming back it will be possible to reduce the output per man by increasing the number of men?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe number of men employed in the industry is increasing rapidly, and is now up to about 700,000. I understand that the National Coal Board are considering opening new faces, but this is not a matter with which I can deal.