Italian Workers

HC Deb 03 December 1951 vol 494 cc2000-1

11. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of miners' lodges which have refused to allow Italian workers to be employed in the mines.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

I understand that the number is 105.

22. Mr. E. H. Keeling

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement as to what directions he will issue to the National Coal Board under Section 3 of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, for the use of Italian labour.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

The National Coal Board are anxious to use more Italian labour and they need no stimulus from me.

Mr. Keeling

As British miners—with some exceptions—will not allow Italian labour to work in the same mines with them, is there any other way of getting enough coal than by working some mines exclusively with Italians, even though it may take some time to train them as face workers?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that is an interesting idea with a view to overcoming the difficulties, but I think it also raises other difficulties of its own, and in any case it is a matter for the National Coal Board.

Mr. William Blyton

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this problem will only be solved by persuasion and that if the big stick is used the problem will be more difficult than it is today?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir, I entirely agree with the hon. Member, and I should like to ask him for his co-operation in this matter.

SCOTLAND
Million Tons
Year	Imports from Overseas	Production	Use in Scotland	Shipments from Scotland*	Net imports from England†
1950	…	Nil	23.8	21.6	2.5	0.3
1951 (estimated)	…	0.2	24.1	22.3	2.3	0.3
* Including cargo exports, foreign and coastwise bunkers and supplies to Northern Ireland.
† Excess of imports from England over exports to England.
The figures for earlier years are published in the Ministry of Fuel and Power Statistical Digest, 1948 and 1949, except for imports from overseas, which are published in the Annual Statements of Trade of the United Kingdom.