HC Deb 10 December 1970 vol 808 cc656-7
23. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what new proposals he has to assist coalminers aged over 50 years who have been made redundant or had to leave the industry through ill-health.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Ex-miners are among those who will benefit from the new scheme of training grants starting next month which is designed to encourage employers in the development and intermediate areas to take on and train older men. Industrial rehabilitation units can do much to help those who have to change their jobs because of ill-health.

Mr. Eadie

While thanking the Minister for that reply may I ask him whether he is tackling this human problem in the correct way? Would he not agree that we are adopting a rather pessimistic approach in suggesting that we are doing a favour to these men who have contributed so much—and that that is wrong? Would he not agree that the right approach is to have these men producing real wealth for the nation, which will give them confidence in any retraining or future policies?

Mr. Dudley Smith

I do not think we are pessimistic about it, but we should be deceiving ourselves if we did not recognise this as a very special problem. It will probably take a long time to solve, particularly in view of the rundown in the coal industry. I genuinely believe that the new provisions for older men will make some impact and I am also pleased that we are able to bring forward some "limited skill" courses in G.T.Cs. All miners can benefit from this if they can be encouraged to take the courses.

Dame Irene Ward

Is there not some good news in the North of England today about a considerable number of jobs reopening for the miners there? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this has just been issued by the public relations officer of the National Coal Board? If the facts are as stated, does he appreciate that it would be very helpful to us on the North-East coast, since we have suffered tremendously from the closing of so many of our pits? Is my hon. Friend aware that we are grateful for this news?

Mr. Dudley Smith

My hon. Friend is right. The National Coal Board is now recruiting men, including older miners. This will certainly help the situation but we have still to bear the long-term consequences in mind.