§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Power whether he is aware of the concern felt in the Welsh coalfields concerning continued pit closures at a time of high unemployment in the areas affected; and if he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board to stop closing pits in areas of high unemployment.
§ Mr. FreesonI am aware of the concern in Wales about pit closures. However, it should be borne in mind that over 80 per cent. of the 2,400 men affected by the four closures since the beginning of September, 1966 have been successfully redeployed in the South Wales coalfields.
The Unions have been informed by the N.C.B. of three closures proposed to take place in the next few weeks and the Board expect to offer jobs to about 80 per cent. of the men affected. There are at present about 1,500 vacancies at the most highly productive pits in the Division and the Government supports the N.C.B's policy of concentrating manpower in these pits.