§ 22. Mr. Urwinasked the Minister of Power if he will provide details of pits initially designated as category B in 1965 and now regarded as being in the A class.
§ Dr. BrayI understand the National Coal Board has decided that no useful purpose would be served by revising the classification of pits for the time being, but B pits will continue to operate as long as they can do so efficiently and economically.
§ Mr. UrwinRegardless of the criteria which apparently are taken into account in such classifications, is my hon. Friend aware that this is another reason why there is under-selling of confidence in the industry, when men working in a B pit in fear of the pit closing naturally seek alternative employment outside the industry rather than stay in it and be transferred to other pits? In these circumstances, can these classifications be altered in the national interest?
§ Dr. BrayAs my right hon. Friend has just said, the drift of manpower from the pits is falling. Men working in B pits have in many cases made major efforts to increase the efficiency and economy of operation of those pits, and this has undoubtedly increased the life of the pits.