HC Deb 13 December 1955 vol 547 cc152-3W
40. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the number of miners employed in the South Wales coalfield has fallen by nearly 3,000 in the last 12 months; and if he will state the number of colliery surface workers called to the Armed Forces under the Military Service Acts.

Mr. Watkinson

Yes. I am aware of the decline in the labour force in the South Wales coalfield. As regards the second part of the Question, I regret that statistics of the number of colliery surface workers called up under the National Service Acts are not available.

41. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Minister of Labour if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the effect of the Military Service Acts upon employment and production in the British coalfields.

Mr. Watkinson

No. The arrangements for deferment of call-up of men employed in the coalmining industry have been designed to assist in maintaining the labour force needed for underground work in particular and in my view are working satisfactorily.