§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Power what is his estimate on the basis of his most recent information of 236W the number of men who will be employed by the National Coal Board in Wales and Scotland, respectively, in one, two and three years' time.
§ Mr. FreesonThere were 42,276 men employed at collieries in Scotland at the end of 1966 and 60,956 in Wales. It is estimated that the numbers employed at the end of 1967, if present trends of recruitment and wastage continue, will be about 40,000 in Scotland and 55,000 in Wales. No accurate estimate can be made yet of the numbers likely to be employed beyond 1967.
§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Power if he will publish the number of coal mines closed in Wales and Scotland, respectively, since vesting day up to date; and what is the number still open.
§ Mr. FreesonSince vesting date 117 collieries have been closed in Wales and 188 in Scotland; at present there are 76 collieries in operation in Wales and 59 in Scotland. During this period many new mines have been sunk in both Divisions.
§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Power if he will state the estimated tonnage of coal to be mined in the Welsh and Scottish coalfields, respectively, in 1970 under the revised National Plan.
§ Mr. FreesonThe level of output in particular coalfields is a matter for the National Coal Board in the light of energy policy generally, which is at present the subject of a major Review. As my right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State indicated in reply to questions by the hon. Members for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) and Guildford (Mr. David Howell) on 9th February the revision of the National Plan is still in progress.—[Vol. 740, c.341.]