HC Deb 28 November 1950 vol 481 c926
21. Mr. John Tilney

asked the Minister of Labour what is the maximum age at which men are accepted who wish to undertake coalmining.

Mr. Isaacs

Men who have not had any previous mining experience are unlikely to be accepted over the age of 36. Men who have had previous experience will be accepted up to any reasonable age.

Mr. Tilney

Is the Minister aware that on Merseyside there are many men of good physique who wish to undertake coalmining, and some of whom are unemployed at present? Would he consider raising this age limit for the benefit of the unemployed on Merseyside and in order to get more coal?

Mr. Isaacs

I have no information of that kind. If the hon. Gentleman has any information to give me, I will look into it. Certainly we shall not let an arbitrary age limit debar a capable man from going down the mines if he wishes to do so.