§ 3. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Power how many miners below the age of 65 years were unemployed in Northumberland at the latest date; and what shortage of labour in pits in Northumberland arises from difficulties of transport or housing accommodation.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. J. C. George)on 13th February, 316 men and boys whose last employment was in coal-mining were unemployed in Northumberland. Recruitment is not being impeded by either transport difficulties or shortage of housing.
§ Mr. McKayI thank the Minister for that information. Can he give the House any idea of the prospects of an increase in this number of unemployed?
§ Mr. GeorgeThe number of 316 unemployed represents less than 1 per cent. and the Coal Board is encouraging unemployed miners in that area to transfer to Yorkshire and the Midlands coalfields. They will receive appropriate allowances and, normally, will be moved only if housing is available.