§ 21. Mr. Masonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consult the Ministry of Power and the National Coal Board to ascertain how much unemployment will be caused by the closure of 200 collieries within the next five years and where it is likely to be most acute, with a view to the immediate preparation of a plan for the direction of industry to those regions to coincide with the closures; and to what extent, as part of a long-term plan, he has considered the need for legislation to ensure continuity of employment and trade in coal-mining areas.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Power keeps my right hon. Friend informed on matters affecting employment in the mines. As the Minister of Power told the hon. Member on 20th November, he expects that the colliery closures will be effected without giving rise to widespread unemployment. But if high unemployment does result from these closures in any areas, my right hon. Friend will do all he can to steer new industry there. His powers under existing legislation are appropriate for this purpose.
§ Mr. MasonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I am not satisfied with that Answer? Is he aware that in Scotland, Wales, Lancashire and parts of Durham there is bound to be a great deal of unemployment when 200 collieries close down? Is he aware that to wait for a certain degree of unemployment is not a satisfactory way of going about this? Is it not time that the Minister found out exactly where these pits will be closed and to what extent there will be a degree of unemployment, and have 226 plans ready for alternative industry in those areas to coincide with the closures rather than to take panic measures afterwards?
§ Mr. MacphersonAs soon as the National Coal Board reaches decisions in these matters, we are informed about them, and the terms of the Local Employment Act enable us to take into account not only existing unemployment but unemployment to be expected, as long as it is going to be high and persistent.
§ Mr. MasonWhat must we do to give the Board of Trade a kick in the pants to do something about this? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] That is rightly strong language. We feel very strongly about it. Two hundred collieries will be closed down with resultant unemployment. The Board of Trade should know exactly where collieries will be closed. We should be told to what extent plans exist and the Board of Trade should do something about it.
§ Mr. MacphersonWe are aware where collieries are to be closed in every case where a firm decision has already been taken, and we take that into account in the periodic reviews we make of the list of development districts.