§ 64. Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the figures of recruitment and wastage for the South Wales coal mines for 1946; and if he will give the corresponding figures to the latest available date in 1947.
§ Mr. GaitskellRecruitment to coal mines in South Wales and Monmouth in 1946 was 11,800, and wastage was 13,000; comparable figures in 1947, up to 1st November, are 11,000 and 9,300, respectively.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs the Minister aware that this alarming rate of wastage in the mines in South Wales is the greatest single deterrent to recruitment, and is he satisfied that everything possible is being done to reduce it?
§ Mr. GaitskellI am very much aware that the rate of wastage in South Wales, partly because of the incidence of pneumoconiosis, is very serious, but I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the fact that the wastage has fallen substantially between 1946 and 1947, which is largely due to the decline in the number of certified cases.