§ 17. Mr. Urwinasked the Minister of Power how many miners have left the coalmining industry during 1965; and what is the number of vacancies in each division of the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. John MorrisDuring the 24 weeks to 12th June, 1965, the total number of men leaving the industry was 32,000; this includes retirements from age or ill health as well as those leaving voluntarily for other reasons. During the same period nearly 15,000 men were recruited.
I understand from the National Coal Board that there are vacancies in several areas at the present time, and I will ask the Chairman to write to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. UrwinWould my hon. Friend agree that a rather serious situation is developing from the manpower point of view in the mining industry? Would he further agree that there is growing concern among those employed in the industry because of the closure of pits, resulting in quite large numbers of men having to seek alternative employment outside the industry? Is my hon. Friend satisfied that if this situation continues to develop at the present rate, the coal industry can achieve the target set for it by the Minister of Power?
§ Mr. MorrisI agree that this matter is causing concern. In my reply of 6th July to the hon. Member for Lewisham, West (Mr. McNair-Wilson), I said that I understood from the Board that its labour force was about 5,000 below its manpower objective for the country as a whole for 1965–66.
§ Mr. MitchellIs the Minister aware that there is not much to be gained from recruiting additional labour into loss-making mines, thus increasing the production of coal at a further loss to the country?
§ Mr. MorrisThat, of course, is a matter for the National Coal Board.