§ Q6. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister in view of the special problems now facing the mining industry as a result of pit closures, if he will take steps to appoint an additional Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Power, whose duties will be confined to dealing with the problems of this industry.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that those of us acquainted with the work of the previous Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power very much regret the illness which has forced the hon. Gentleman to give up that appointment? Is the Prime Minister further aware that we are completely surprised that a Minister has been appointed whose connection with the mining industry and its great and important problems we do not understand? Is he aware that we have had one Minister in that office who has a background of Eton and Oxford and now we are to have another? Does the Prime Minister think that a qualification for dealing with the problems of the mining industry?
§ The Prime MinisterI am grateful for the courteous remarks made by the hon. Gentleman about my hon. Friend who was unfortunately taken ill and who, we all hope, will make a complete recovery. The problem arising regarding displaced persons is one of finding alternative accommodation, and up to now the Coal Board has been very successful in dealing with it. The larger problem, which lies not with the Minister of Power but rather with the Board of Trade and the Secretary of State, is the wider question of alternative employment.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that some of us appreciate his remarkable display of tolerance in appointing to office some of the "rebels" who sit on the back benches opposite?
§ The Prime MinisterIt makes me feel that, with his everlasting youth, the right hon. Gentleman may well have hope.