§ 41. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Minister of Labour how many Hungarian refugees have found employment in this country since October, 1956; and how many of these have been employed in coal mining.
Mr. lain MacleodNearly 12,000 Hungarian refugees have been placed in employment, other than coal mining. This total includes refugees who were placed in temporary employment, but have since emigrated to Canada, and the actual number now at work is somewhat less.
I am informed by the National Coal Board that 218 Hungarians have already commenced work in coal mining and that a further 115 are employed in ancillary occupations.
§ Mr. JohnsonHave any of these refugees been given training in coal mining since they have been over here and then been unable to find employment? If so, what is the reason?
Mr. MacleodThey were brought over here with the idea of having training. which includes, in the wider sense, the learning of English and the various safety and other methods that we have in coal mining. I am told by the National Coal Board that at present about 200 people who have been trained are available for work in the pits but for various reasons cannot yet find work. Consultations are going on between the Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers in regard to that matter.