HC Deb 04 April 1967 vol 744 c7
8. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Power what further decline in output and manpower of the coal industry has occurred in the first quarter of 1967.

Mr. Freeson

Output in the 13 weeks to 18th March was 44.3 million tons as compared with 45.2 million tons in the same period a year ago. Colliery manpower fell during the 13 weeks by 4,300 against a drop of 10,300 last year.

Sir G. Nabarro

As both tonnage of output of coal and manpower in the industry declined calamitously last year and are already declining in the first quarter of this year, would the Parliamentary Secretary confirm that the proper estimate for 1967 is an output of only 160 million tons, employing only 400,000 miners?

Mr. Freeson

I will confirm what has been said before, without referring to the rather exaggerated adjectives that we expect of the hon. Member, that coal production in the coming year will be sufficient to meet all demands.