§ 67. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Power what information he has received from the National Coal Board about the estimated reduction in the number of jobs available in the coal mining industry in the next five years; and what formal machinery of consultation exists between his Department, the Board of Trade, and the Scottish Office, to ensure that alternative means of employment are provided in proportion as the mining industry is contracted.
§ Mr. WoodThe National Coal Board's prospects for the next five years, including its manpower requirements, are now being examined in the context of the White Paper on the Financial and Economic Obligations of the Nationalised Industries The responsible Departments are kept fully informed about plans for colliery closures and my Department will be consulting them as soon as the present review is completed.