§ 19. Miss Herbisonasked the Minister of Labour how many miners are registered as unemployed in Lanarkshire; and how many of these are in the age groups 20 to 40 years of age and 40 to 60 years of age.
§ Mr. IsaacsAt 14th February there were 825 men registered as unemployed in Lanarkshire. whose last employment 1884 was in the coal mining industry. Of these 476 have been found to be medically unfit for further employment in that industry. An analysis by age groups is not available.
§ 20. Miss Herbisonasked the Minister of Labour how many miners are registered as unemployed at the Employment Exchanges of Shotts, Airdrie and Coat-bridge; and how many of these are in the age groups 20 to 40 years of age and 40 to 60 years of age.
§ Mr. IsaacsAt 14th February, the numbers of men whose last employment had been in the coal mining industry registered as unemployed were 125 at Shotts, 94 at Airdrie, and 18 at Coatbridge. Of these men, 89, 52 and 9, respectively, had been found to be medically unfit for further employment in that industry. An analysis by age groups is not available.
§ Miss HerbisonIs the Minister aware that in this area there is a proposed closure of a number of pits in the very near future, and that only this week-end the Chairman of the Scottish Division of the National Coal Board stated that, as far as possible, the closure of those pits would coincide with the availability of work in other coalfields and the availability of houses? Will my right hon. Friend consult with the Minister of Fuel and Power to ensure that no further pits will be closed in this area until those men who are unemployed and are fit to work in the mines, are found work in other areas?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat is a very long supplementary. I am in complete sympathy with the point of view put by the hon. Lady, and I shall certainly look into this matter with my right hon. Friend.