§ 18. Mr. Snowasked the Paymaster-General what is the Government's estimate of the level of employment in the coal-mining industry generally, and also with particular reference to the West Midlands Division; and what is the present level of redundancy both generally and in the West Midlands Division.
§ Mr. MaudlingOn 5th April, the number of men on colliery books was 705,800, 599 and in the West Midlands 58,600. The National Coal Board informs me that, although the level of manpower is declining, there is no actual redundancy at present either generally or in the West Midlands.
§ Mr. SnowIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, amongst those who are taking an interest in the future of the Warwickshire field, there is cause for anxiety because of the gradual build-up of small and, apparently, unsaleable industrial coal? Has he any observations to make on this situation?
§ Mr. MaudlingNot arising from this Question. If the hon. Member will put down a Question to that effect, I shall be glad to try to answer it.
§ 24. Mr. Nealasked the Paymaster-General what is the manpower target in the coal industry consequent upon the policy of selective recruitment.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe manpower requirements of the coal industry are assessed by the National Coal Board in the light of circumstances from time to time. Manpower targets in the longer term were stated in "Investing in Coal", which contained the Board's revised Plan for Coal, and I understand that the Board has the Plan under review at the present time.
§ Mr. NealSurely the Paymaster-General is not informing the House that this policy is seriously being embarked upon without a revised output target? As he well knows, men must be related to tons of coal. Unless there is a manpower ceiling, how can he calculate the optimum of production in 1958?
§ Mr. MaudlingI was referring to the long-term trend. The position is that the National Coal Board is reviewing the long-term plan for coal production, and if it wishes to propose any significant changes in the plan it will need the Minister's consent under Section 3 of the nationalisation Act.