§ 35. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what special action is being taken to counteract the serious fall in manpower in the coalmines.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe manpower problem in the coal industry is not so much that of the total labour force available, as of the best use of the workers who are already engaged in it. In some cases, redeployment is being effected with good results; elsewhere, the provision of more houses would greatly help. Detailed schemes for more houses are now being worked out.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIn spite of the overlaying of the answer, does not the right hon. Gentleman admit that this is a very good example of the dislike of the workers for a nationalised industry?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerNot at all. Had the industry not been nationalised, there would have been very many fewer workers in it today.