Output, Scotland

HC Deb 11 April 1960 vol 621 cc868-9

15. Mr. T. Fraser

asked the Minister of Power what was Scotland's share of total United Kingdom coal output in 1948 and in 1959.

Mr. George

Twelve per cent. in 1948 and 9½ per cent, in 1959.

Mr. Fraser

Can the hon. Gentleman say why there has been this decline in the Scottish share of United Kingdom coal output?

Mr. George

Indeed, yes. The reason why the percentage has fallen is that there has been a serious drop in productivity in Scotland. In 1948 the output per man-shift was 1.14 tons, but by 1959 it had fallen to 1.04 tons—hence the reason for Scotland's loss of position.

16. Mr. T. Fraser

asked the Minister of Power if he will state the percentage increase or decrease in the Scottish output of coal between 1948 and 1959, giving comparable figures in this respect for the rest of Great Britain.

Mr. George

A decrease of 21 per cent. in Scotland and an increase of 1½ per cent. in England and Wales.

Mr. Fraser

In view of these figures and the fact that Scotland's mining manpower ran down by more than 7,000 last year and that we have 92,000 unemployed, does not the hon. Gentleman consider it should be the duty of his right hon. Friend to discourage the closure of further coal mines in Scotland until his colleagues in the Government with responsibilities in other Departments have found alternative employment in the coal mining districts?

Mr. George

The position of manpower in the mining industry is not what would seem to flow from the hon. Member's remarks. In 1948 81,400 men produced 23.8 million tons of coal, and in 1959 81,000 man were still employed but produced only 18.9 million tons.

Mr. Fraser

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the end of 1959 the mining manpower was very considerably less than 80,000 men? It was down to about 75,000 to 76,000 and has declined very considerably in the earlier months of this year. I ask him to look forward and not backward. Would he not agree that it is undesirable that further mines should be closed and further miners put out of work until the Government take steps, which they are obliged to take under other Acts, to see that alternative employment is brought into those areas where there is heavy unemployment?

Mr. George

I agree with the hon. Gentleman's last remark that every effort should be expended in order to bring industry into mining areas where there is likely to be unemployment, but it must be recognised that in Scotland the National Coal Board has been investing capital at a rate greater than Scotland's share of production. That capital expenditure must, in the end, show results and will eventually lead to fewer men being employed.