§ 6. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Minister of Labour what measures the Government are now taking to assist the retraining and re-employment of miners who become redundant.
§ Mr. HattersleyMy Departments employment services make every effort to find alternative employment for redundant miners. Redeployment can be assisted by the Ministry's industrial rehabilitation service, which is establishing four new units in areas of pit closures. Redundant miners who want and are suitable for training for skill may attend any of the 33 Government training centres.
§ Mr. CampbellDoes the hon. Gentleman recognise that this subject requires the special attention of his Ministry and that a change of occupation is difficult for some of the older men who had expected to spend a lifetime in the coal industry?
§ Mr. HattersleyI certain agree with and endorse all that. That is why more than a year ago my right hon. Friend, who was then the Minister of Power, announced the setting up of four additional industrial rehabilitation centres specifically to help miners in areas of pit closures.
§ Mr. DalyellIs my hon. Friend aware that some of us from the central Scotland coalfields would pay tribute to the work which is done by his Ministry and the Industrial Rehabilitation Service which, in our view, does an excellent job?