HC Deb 04 July 1967 vol 749 cc1537-9
11. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Minister of Power what was the output per manshift, in hundredweights, in the coal mining industry for the years 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1966, respectively; and what percentage increase these figures represent over the previous year.

Mr. Freeson

With permission, I will circulate the detailed figures in the Official Report, but output per manshift increased from 28.03 cwt. in 1960 to 36.35 cwt. in 1966. The highest increase (7.8 per cent.) was in 1962 and the lowest (1.3 per cent) in 1966.

Mr. Wainwright

Is my hon. Friend aware that these figures would have been higher if the morale of the men inside the industry had not been allowed to deteriorate? Is he further aware that the present attitude of himself and his right hon. Friend gives the impression that they are indifferent about the future welfare of the men in the industry?

Mr. Freeson

I am sorry if my hon. Friend is under the impression that either my right hon. Friend or myself are indifferent. It is not the occasion, in answering Questions, to go into detail about the kind of discussions that we have had, both in London and in visiting various areas of the country, with the people directly involved. We are very concerned about the present state of the coal industry and its future prospects. So far as any lowering of morale is concerned, this again is a factor of which we are very much aware. There is a real possibility of this if we do not control what is happening in the industry.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Is my hon. Friend aware that the hostility of many of these Questions he has had stems from the fact that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction and apprehension in the coalfields? Promises have been given and those promises have not yet been carried out. Is he aware that until that is done much more hostility will be shown in this House on this extremely difficult problem?

Mr. Freeson

I certainly understand the fears and apprehensions with regard to the future of the industry among these men. I would add that during the visits I have made to different parts of the country which are affected, or are likely to be affected, the kind of hostility to which my right hon. Friend has referred has not been shown to me—[Interruption.]—and I do not believe that it has been shown to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Palmer, No. 12.

Mr. Ness Edwards

On a point of order. I understand that an objection was made from the Front Bench about myself. I should like the Parliamentary Secretary to say in an outspoken way what he has said.

Mr. Freeson

I am sorry for any misunderstanding. What I said was that during my visits to different parts of the country, I had not experienced any hostility directed against myself nor has there been such hostility shown to my right hon. Friend.

The following are the figures:

cwts. per cent.
1960 … … 28.03 increased 4.1
1961 … … 28.94 increased 3.3
1962 … … 31.20 increased 7.8
1963 … … 32.96 increased 5.6
1964 … … 34.35 increased 4.2
1965 … … 35.90 increased 4.5
1966 … … 36.35 increased 1.3