§ Q2. Mr. Woodburnasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the concern in Scotland about the social repercussions of the proposed closures of Scottish pits, the loss to local authorities on housing accommodation specially provided and the probability of additional unemployment; and whether he will set up an inquiry into the problems, with a view to recommending remedial action.
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware of the concern in Scotland about the National Coal Board's proposals to close more Scottish pits. But I am informed that the Board has indicated that alternative work will be available within travelling distance of their homes for the great majority of those affected. In the circumstances, I see no need to set up an inquiry on the lines suggested by the right hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the Prime Minister aware that nearly 2,000 families have moved from their original places of residence in order to carry out the coal mining development plans of the Government and that, these plans having now been suddenly changed, there is apprehension that at least two practically new towns will be rendered almost derelict if the people have to move away to where their new jobs will be? It is not just a matter for the Coal Board or a matter of trying to get miners to keep going down the pits—not a pleasant occupation—but there are social consequences which will result from the change. Is the Prime Minister prepared to get the Secretary of State for Scotland, the President of the Board of Trade, the Coal Board and the Minister of Labour to sit down together in order to prepare a comprehensive plan to ensure that the change is conducted without hardship and great suffering?
§ The Prime MinisterThat, of course, is already being done. I remind the right hon. Gentleman that in 1960 44 pits were closed. By early 1961 all 192 except 250 of the men affected had found new jobs. Under this plan, of the 16 closures announced 9 are very small employing 200 men or less. As regards the new town of Glenrothes, I understand that the development of the town has, since 1959, been directed towards general industrial development, linked with overspill from Glasgow.
§ Mr. W. HamiltonDoes the Prime Minister realise that a considerable amount of money has been invested here, particularly in the new colliery of Rothes, and that what we are asking for is an impartial inquiry independent of either the Coal Board or the Ministry of Power which have their axes to grind, so that we may be quite sure who is responsible for the waste of public money? Is he aware that the people in Glenrothes, the new town, are deeply anxious about the prospects of future development there?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that what I said about the new town covers that point. The Coal Board and the Ministry of Power have to carry out their duties in accordance with the Acts. As regards trying every possible way to mitigate the results of closures, whether in England or in Scotland, I think that the House must recognise the very remarkable way in which a considerable fall in the total employment of miners has been taken up by their employment elsewhere.
§ Mr. WoodburnOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The Prime Minister misunderstood the reference to a new town. The colliery which is being closed down is Glen Ochil, which has a town called Tillicoultry built to house the occupants—
§ Mr. SpeakerThat may be so, but it is not a point of order.