§ 48. Mr. Speedasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many miners made redundant by the closure last year of Arley and Kingsbury collieries are still registered unemployed.
§ Mr. Fernyhough249 men from Arley Colliery and 151 men from Kingsbury Colliery are still registered as unemployed. All but a few are aged 55 or over.
§ Mr. SpeedI thank the Minister for that reply. Will he have discussions with the Minister of Power about proposed opencast mines, because if this happens further mines in the vicinity could close, thus increasing unemployment?
§ Mr. FernyhoughI will certainly draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the hon. Gentleman's remarks.