HC Deb 24 July 1967 vol 751 cc21-2W
80. Mr. Boardman

asked the Minister of Labour in view of the proposals to close Mosley Common Colliery and Bedford Colliery in October and thereby rendering approximately 3,500 men jobless, what arrangements he is making for retraining in suitable cases, for how many and at what centres.

SEVERELY DISABLED WORKERS EMPLOYED IN MARCH OF YEAR STATED
1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967
Bridgend … … 161 151 159 158 160 149
In all Remploy factories … … 6,534 6,361 6,515 6,956 6,921 6,874

Mr. Hattersley

I am informed that no final decision has yet been taken to close these collieries in October. If they do close men who want and are suitable for training for skill may be able to attend the Government Training Centres at Hindley, Manchester or Liverpool. Alternatively, lodgings can be found to enable them to attend any of the other 30 Centres in the country. Those not suitable for training for a skill can be helped by the Industrial Rehabilitation Units at Liverpool and Manchester, which will assess the type of alternative employment for which each man is best suited.