43. Mr. B. Taylorasked the Paymaster-General the number of coalface workers in the mining industry for 1955, 1956, and to the nearest convenient date in 1957.
§ Mr. MaudlingAdjusted for the change in statistical basis, the average number of faceworkers in 1955 and 1956 was 285,100 and 284,400, respectively. At 16th February, 1957, the number was 286,300.
Mr. TaylorIs the Minister aware that, in spite of the welcome improvement in output during the early weeks of 1957 and the increase in manpower in the industry, the number of faceworkers has been declining during 1956 and the first pant of 1957?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes, Sir. I agree that that is a very important matter, and I think the National Coal Board is paying particular attention to it.