HC Deb 29 November 1956 vol 561 cc570-1
43. Mr. Lee

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the increased demands upon the coal industry, what special efforts he proposes to make to stimulate recruitment to the industry.

Mr. Iain Macleod

My local offices throughout the country give constant attention to the recruitment of suitable men for employment in the coal mines. In addition, all who register for National Service are reminded that call-up is deferred for men satisfactorily employed underground in coal mines.

Mr. Lee

Is the Minister aware that it is not sufficient merely to keep the labour exchanges in the coal areas informed of this; and that one of the problems we now face, and about which the miner feels pretty bitter, is that it is deemed to be merely the job of the miner and his family to keep on supplying Britain with her miners? Will he agree that it is now a national problem, and that people outside the mining areas must really play their part in enabling us to get our coal?

Mr. Macleod

Of course it is a national problem, and it is for that reason that the National Coal Board has been intensifying its programmes of recruitment and publicity, and in every possible way we shall be glad to help.

Disposition Quarter ended 29th September, 1956 Six weeks ended 10th November, 1956 Week ended 17th November, 1956
Average numbers of men:
Proving attendance … … 6,144 9,786 9,852
On annual holiday … … 6,500 782 375
Employed … … 59,387 60,510 60,300
Sick and otherwise absent … … 6,352 6,674 6,755
On workers registers … … 78,383 77,752 77,282