HC Deb 23 November 1959 vol 614 cc18-9
28. Mr. Matthews

asked the Minister of Power whether he will include in Table 19 of the Ministry of Power Statistical Digest information showing the total number of persons employed in deep-mined coal production in each division of the National Coal Board, so that the numbers employed in an administrative capacity and on productive work, respectively, can be compared over a period of years.

Mr. George

National figures are already given in the Digest, and I doubt whether information on a divisional basis is of sufficient interest to justify publication.

Mr. Matthews

Is the Minister aware that in the Yorkshire coalfield there is strong feeling that there is much unnecessary waste and inefficiency in the administration of these local headquarters due to the fact that there are too many officials and that local pit managers have insufficient authority and power to deal with matters on the spot?

Mr. George

These are obviously matters for the National Coal Board.