HC Deb 23 July 1951 vol 491 cc16-8
30. Mr. Robson-Brown

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of face workers who have left the mines during the 12 months ended May, 1951: and the number of new entrants into the industry, excluding surface workers, during the same period, giving details of foreign workers separately.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

In the 12 months which ended on 31st March, 1951, about 20,000 face workers left the mines; the net loss was 2,600. The total number of new entrants was 38,000. This includes the surface workers; new entrants undergo preliminary training on the surface before going underground, and the surface workers cannot, therefore, be separately distinguished. There were only a few foreign nationals among the new recruits.

Mr. Robson-Brown

Am I to infer from that statement that the Minister is satisfied that the intake is now overtaking the wastage, that the position is much better than it has been, and that the long-term position is protected?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Up to November there had been a fall in manpower for nearly two years to the extent of nearly 40,000 men. We have stopped that wastage, and manpower is now 16,000 more than last November. We still need more men. We are going to recruit them. There is another Question on the Order Paper which was not called and in answer to that I had intended to explain the various measures we are now taking.

Miss Ward

On a point of order. Why is it in order, Mr. Speaker, for the right hon. Gentleman to deal with a Question about miners when the Minister of Transport refuses to deal with a Question about railway workers? They are both nationalised industries, and I should like your guidance as to why one Minister is in order and the other is not. That seems to be contradictory.

Mr. Speaker

I should like the hon. Lady to give me notice of that question. These things are flung at me at short notice. I should have thought that it was because the Minister of Fuel and Power is responsible for the miners. One knows that the Minister of Transport is not the Minister responsible for the railways: it is the transport authority that is responsible for the railways.

Miss Ward

With very great respect Mr. Speaker—

Mr. Speaker

I said that I should like notice of the hon. Lady's question. I merely gave what I thought was a short answer. I am not prepared to debate these matters.

Mr. T. Brown

In view of the seriousness of the manpower shortage, particularly among coalface workers, will my right hon. Friend consider proposing the release of all miners from the Forces so that they can come back to work in the pits, particularly if they are coalface workers?

Mr. Noel-Baker

As my hon. Friend knows, miners are exempted from call-up for National Service. Miners who volunteered within the last two years for Regular engagements in the Forces have been offered the option of coming back to the mines that decision was made in February. About 3,000 have so far done so. The scheme has been extended, and I hope that more will respond to the new appeal that is being made.

Mr. Robson-Brown

May I thank the Minister for his reply and say that all parts of the House will be delighted by the news he has given of the increase in the number of men at the coalface?