§ 1. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Minister of Power how many miners were employed in coal extraction in Scotland at the end of 1966; and how many are expected to be employed there at the end of 1967 and 1968.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. Reginald Free-son)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Gwynfor Evans) on 21st February this year.—[Vol. 741, c. 235.]
§ Mr. CampbellAre the Government satisfied that enough alternative employment will be available for those men who are made redundant and that adequate arrangements have been made for retraining?
§ Mr. FreesonAs the hon. Gentleman will appreciate this matter is not primarily the responsibility of the Ministry of Power. We are, however, very much concerned about this, and other Government Departments are continuing to stimulate industrial development not only in Scotland but in other parts of the country which are affected.