HC Deb 16 July 1942 vol 381 cc1371-2W
Captain Ramsay

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether any miners have been released from other duties since 1st January, 1942, to take up work in Scottish coalmines; and, if so, how many?

Major Lloyd George

Between 3rd January, 1942, and 4th July, 1942, 768 men relased from the Army and the Royal Air Force have started work in coalmines in Scotland. In the same period 1,048 men have been transferred to coalmines in Scotland from other industries. Owing to the wastage of manpower from the industry, it should not be assumed that these figures represent a nett addition to the number of men employed in the Scottish coalmines.

Captain Ramsay

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of men employed in Scottish coalmines on 1st September, 1939; the number so employed on 1st September, 1941, and at the present time?

Major Lloyd George

The number of wage-earners on colliery books in Scotland was 87,318 on 2nd September, 1939. It would not be in the public interest to publish the figures of employment during the war.

Captain Ramsay

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the tonnage of coal raised in Scotland in the year ended 31st August, 1939, and the corresponding figure for the year ended 31st August, 1941?

Major Lloyd George

The quantity of saleable coal raised in Scotland during the year ended 31st August, 1939, was 30,831,900 tons. It would not be in the public interest to publish the figure for the corresponding period ended 31st August, 1941.