§ 23. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Labour how many more men it is necessary to recruit for the coal mining industry if the Government's target of the total labour force necessary is to be reached at the end of the current year.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe total number of wage-earners on colliery books on 1st November was 715,200. The net increase necessary to raise this figure to the target of 730,000 is, therefore, 14,800. The intake required to achieve this increase' depends on the amount of wastage, which cannot be accurately forecast.
§ Mr. SylvesterIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are ex-miners in the Regular Army who desire to return to the industry? Will he use his good offices to try to get them back into the industry?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThat has already been the subject of discussion.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartDo the Government anticipate that their target will be reached?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThere is some diffidence about giving a firm answer to that question. The wastage during October was over 2,000 men per week, but that has now been reduced to 1,300 a week, and we certainly stand a chance of reaching the target.