HC Deb 19 February 1968 vol 759 cc15-6
17. Mr. Bob Brown

asked the Minister of Labour in view of the fact that a number of men will be redundant as a result of the closure of North Walbottle Colliery, what steps he is taking to ensure that sufficient suitable unfilled vacancies are available in the area.

Mr. Fernyhough

My employment staff will be making continuous efforts to find vacancies for any of these men who need help in obtaining new employment.

Mr. Brown

Would not my hon. Friend agree that if a tenant had been found for the advance factory standing empty on the Stanners trading estate, Newburn, the job of the Ministry of Labour would have been easier in reallocating these redundant miners?

Mr. Fernyhough

Of course, I agree and the Board of Trade will do everything it can to obtain a tenant for the factory. Of the 524 employed at this colliery, 283 will be offered alternative employment in other collieries, 72 will be retained on salvage work and 166 will become redundant.

18. Mr. Bob Brown

asked the Minister of Labour what representations he has had from men who may be redundant when North Walbottle Colliery is closed, for retraining or rehabilitation courses; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Hattersley

We have had no representations so far. Those miners who want and are suitable for training could obtain it at the Felling and Killingworth Government Training Centres where waiting time is short for most trades. Men needing industrial rehabilitation will be able to take a course at the Killingworth Industrial Rehabilitation Unit.

Mr. Brown

Will my hon. Friend consider having his officials hold pithead consultations well in advance of closures to let miners know precisely what training facilities exist for them?

Mr. Hattersley

That course of action would present substantial difficulties, not the least of which is that it is not yet known which men will be made redundant and which men will be re-absorbed. The Ministry of Labour cannot give any specific help until that information is available.