§ 5. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the increase in labour productivity in the coalmining industry over the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available.
§ Mr. EadieComparing the 48 weeks of the current financial year with the corresponding period in the previous year, productivity overall is 2.8 per cent. up, and productivity at the face 9 per cent. up.
§ Mr. KnoxTo what does the Minister attribute this improvement, is it still continuing, and by how much does he expect labour productivity in the coal industry to rise this year?
§ Mr. EadieI am advised by the National Coal Board that it is expected to continue. I must emphasise that this figure was achieved with 7,000 fewer men.
Mr. CyerWill the Minister accept that reservations have been expressed 1080 about the productivity scheme, on the ground of safety in mines? Is it not true that there has been an increase in the number of deaths in mines in the past 12 months? Will he draw this factor to the attention of the Health and Safety Commission, because clearly we want to make every effort to ensure that coal production is not increased at the expense of the health and lives of miners?
§ Mr. EadieObviously we do not want coal production to be increased at the expense of miners. We shall want to analyse the figures to see the circumstances in which these things occurred and to see whether they are associated with work at the coalface, haulage and other considerations. I shall accede to my hon. Friend's request and ask the Health and Safety Commission to write to him on this matter.