§ 7. Mr. McGuireasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the increase in productivity and what change has taken place in absenteeism in the coal industry since the end of the strike.
§ Mr. EmeryOutput per man since the strike has been below last year's level, but output per man shift is up by 2.3 per cent. It is interesting to note that the absence percentage has fallen from 17.2 per cent. to 16.2 per cent. of the total labour force.
§ Mr. McGuireWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that on those figures output per man shift will soon reach new record levels in the industry and that this, coupled with the increased attendance, shows that the morale of the mining industry is very high and that anything that would jeopardise or weaken it, such as unnecessarily delaying the Coal Bill that we are all expecting, would be very foolish?
§ Mr. EmeryI am delighted to hear that morale is high; the claim that production per man shift is nearing record levels is correct. I hope that this will continue, because it will be for the benefit of the industry and of the nation.
§ Mr. HarperIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the proper way of assessing an increase in productivity is the output per man shift, which on his own figures has risen by 2.3 per cent.? In view of the good faith of the miners, the increase in productivity and the lowering of the absentee rates since the ending of the strike, will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend seriously to consider a proper restructuring of the industry in the forthcoming Coal Bill?
§ Mr. EmeryThe hon. Member will know that the most serious consideration has been given to this matter. Very extensive consultations have taken place between the unions and the National Coal Board and I believe that when a statement is made this will be acceptable to the unions, to the industry and to the country.