§ 2.37 p.m.
§ LORD TEVIOTMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what has been the largest number of workers ever employed in the mining industry; how that figure compares with the total now, and what number could be employed to bring the output up to full capacity.]
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, the highest number of workers in the mining industry was 1,200,000 in 1920; the present number is 708,000. It was estimated at the end of 1951 that an additional 15,000 men could rapidly be absorbed in the coalfields where there were vacancies.
§ LORD TEVIOTMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl for his answer, but I am afraid that I did not quite catch the last sentence clearly. I should like to know by what number it would be necessary to augment the present number of workers in order to bring the industry up to full capacity.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I am afraid that the information which I have does not answer that question fully. The number which could be absorbed immediately is 15,000 men. If the noble Lord wishes to know the number which would eventually be required, I think I shall have to ask for another question to be put, because the term "full capacity" is somewhat elastic.
§ LORD TEVIOTI thank the noble Earl for his reply.