HC Deb 11 February 1969 vol 777 cc1094-6
16. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Minister of Power to what extent the rate of net decline in manpower and in redundancy in the coal industry changed during 1968, comparing the first quarter with the final quarter.

Mr. Mason

Net decline in manpower fell from an annual rate of 67,800 in the first quarter of 1968 to one of 39,600 in the last quarter. Redundancy in the first quarter was at an annual rate of 27,300 and in the last quarter 16,200.

Mr. Wainwright

Are not the rundown figures still far too great? How many collieries have been closed in the two quarters concerned?

Mr. Mason

In the whole year of 1968, 70 pits closed and 25,133 men were made redundant. As I have said recently, this should be slowed down this year.

Mr. Swain

Does not my right hon. Friend's Answer prove beyond doubt that the estimates in the 1967 White Paper were hopelessly out? Has not the time arrived for an immediate review of the whole of our fuel policy?

Mr. Mason

No, Sir. It was expected that the manageable rundown over four years would be 140,000. Although in 1968 57,000 men left the industry altogether, this year the figure should be less than 35,000. Therefore, overall in the four years we may well maintain the figure of 140,000.

Sir C. Osborne

Why are coal miners, who are traditionally the most loyal supporters of the Labour Party, so bitterly disappointed with the Labour Government's policy over the closure of coal mines? What can the Minister do to restore the confidence of these loyal supporters in his Government?

Mr. Mason

The facts do not bear out what the hon. Gentleman says. The fact that last year the industry lost less tonnage through disputes than has happened in the history of coal mining and the fact that output per man shift increased by 9.5 per cent. refute absolutely what the hon. Gentleman says.

Mr. Ogden

Will my right hon. Friend tell hon. Members opposite that we on this side can disagree with my right hon. Friend without any interference or help from the hon. Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne)? However, it is not merely a question of redundancies. Will my right hon. Friend list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the periods for which those members of the industry who are made redundant remain unemployed, the industries in which they become re-employed, and what their earnings are on re-employment as compared with their earnings in the industry?

Mr. Mason

This would necessitate a major exercise. As I have tried to indicate, a number of people who are registered as unemployed in mining districts may have prematurely taken their retirement. Further, because of the very generous scheme under the Coal Industry Act, 1967, miners over 55 who cannot easily find work can take three years on up to 90 per cent. of their previous take-home pay; and they, too, are regarded as unemployed. So the total figure is false. Nevertheless, the miners greatly appreciate what this Government have done, as distinct from the previous Government, who closed 230 pits and never paid a penny to the miners or to the Board.