HC Deb 05 November 1968 vol 772 cc683-4
27. Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on the proposals for pit closures in Scotland in 1969.

Mr. Mason

The programme of colliery closures for 1969 is in the process of being formulated by the National Coal Board. It has so far announced the closure of Roslin Colliery and that the results of three other colleries are such as to put their future in jeopardy.

Mr. Campbell

What action is the Minister taking with other Ministers concerned to make special arrangements for redundant miners in view of the fact that the total number of jobs of all kinds in Scotland has fallen by more than 20,000 since 1964?

Mr. Mason

Apart from the tremendous work which Ministers are putting in to make sure that alternative employment is available, we recognise that the outflow from the mines may be faster than we can install or erect new employment. Therefore, we introduced the over-55 scheme and 33,000 miners will benefit under that scheme. This is easing the situation.

Mr. William Hamilton

Will my right hon. Friend say which three pits have their future in jeopardy? What progress has been made in providing alternative jobs in the areas designated as special development areas consequent on pit closures?

Mr. Mason

On the S.D.A.s my hon. Friend should address his Question to the Board of Trade. The three pits concerned are Blair, Auchincruive and Kennox. No other closures are contemplated in the winter.

Mr. Eadie

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Roslin Colliery is in my constituency and that this is the second pit closure in my constituency in a very short time? Is he aware that these closures are causing concern among miners not only in my constituency but all over Scotland?

Mr. Mason

I am fully aware of anxieties about pit closures because there have been five in my constituency. I do not think I can take it much further than that. We shall be dependent on chairmen of regional planning committees letting us know where a pit closure will cause or aggravate high unemployment rates in the regions and they will be considered for deferment.