§ 2. Mr. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what approaches have been made to him by the Coal Board or the National Union of Mineworkers, with a view to permitting miners who so wish to leave the industry.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe National Coal Board, in agreement with the National Union of Mineworkers, have asked the Government to consider withdrawing the present restrictions on miners taking up work outside the coalmining industry. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I are considering this request, but no decision has yet been reached.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter involves a very important matter of principle, which has affected both sides of this House for a long time? When will a final decision be made?
§ Mr. GaitskellI am not sure that I could quite agree that it is a matter of principle. It affects only the coal mining industry and the Ministry of Agriculture. At the moment, I cannot say when a decision will be reached.
§ Sir John MellorAs the reason formerly given for preserving this restriction is that both sides wanted it, can the right hon. Gentleman say why it could not be dispensed with straight away?
§ Mr. GaitskellThe consequences it would have on the output of coal have to be considered.