HC Deb 11 June 1951 vol 488 c1644
20. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what recent figures he has to show how much extra coal has been mined as a result of the voluntary shift working of miners on Saturdays; how many pits worked this extra shift; and how many extra hours were involved.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

During the first 22 weeks of this year, 6.3 million tons of coal have been produced by Saturday shifts. The average number of mines which worked was 707. The Saturday shift is about an hour shorter than the normal week-day shift.

Mr. Janner

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Leicestershire has played a very important part in the production of this extra coal? Will he express his recognition of this magnificent national effort on the part of the miners?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, I have done it many times. It was a magnificent effort. I think that, worked out in man hours, it would probably be something well over 20 million extra man hours this year.