§ 47. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Labour if he intends taking steps to direct persons with technical experience of the coal mining industry, and who have left it, back into the employment of the Coal Board.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe only cases in which directions are issued are those of men aged 18 to 50 whose normal employment is in the coal mining industry and whose services it is desired to retain in the industry. There is no distinction in this matter between technicians and manual workers. I am not aware of any cases in which the direction of a technician has so far been necessary.
§ Mr. HughesCould not the powers that the Minister possesses be applied to disgruntled members of the Coal Board, as well as to absentee miners?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI thought the hon. Member was referring to technicians.