§ 100. Mr. J. McKayasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that, during the 12 months ended 20 September, 1950, there has been a loss of manpower of 22,713, resulting in an annual loss of output amounting to 6,813,900 tons; and what steps he is taking to increase the manpower in the pits.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI am aware that manpower in the mines has declined 22,713 during the last 12 months. Output depends, however, upon so many factors, and in particular upon the relation of the number of face workers to the total number of workers on colliery books, that it is not possible to calculate how much more coal would have been produced, if there had been no fall in manpower this year. The output lost is, however, certainly considerable. The Government attach the greatest importance to checking the decline in manpower and urgent discussions are proceeding with the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers.