§ 21. Mr. Donnerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will publish the report of the scientific inquiry, conducted by the National Coal Board and forwarded to him, into the reasons why men are leaving the pits; and what steps he proposes to take arising therefrom to maintain manpower in the industry.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe National Coal Board are conducting special inquiries by interviews and other means to ascertain the various reasons which are causing men to leave the mines. These inquiries are still going on, and it would, therefore, be premature for me to say anything about the conclusions to which they may lead.
§ Mr. DonnerIs the Minister aware that some Socialist miners have admitted to me that the reason why they left the pits was because they could not stand nationalisation at any price, and will he—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerThis is quite out of order.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIf I may reply to the hon. Member, the General Election figures seemed to show that they were very few in number.