§ Mr. P. Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he proposes to take to ensure a substantial increase of recruits for the mines; how many new underground young workers he considers necessary as a first instalment for the adequate manning of the industry; and whether he is satisfied that he can obtain such a number by appeals for voluntary recruitment.
§ Mr. ShinwellI regret that I cannot deal adequately with this matter within the scope of Question and answer. In conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service I am taking steps to stimulate voluntary recruitment of both juveniles and adult workers with the object of building up the manpower of the coalmining industry as rapidly as possible, subject only to the capacity of the industry to absorb and train new entrants. Whether the rate of voluntary recruitment can be raised to a satisfactory level depends on a number of factors, the effect of which can only be assessed in the light of experience.