HC Deb 25 October 1973 vol 861 cc695-6W
Mr. Harper

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many men were employed by the National Coal Board on 30th September 1947, and what was the total employed on that date in each of the subsequent years to 1973, inclusive.

Mr. Emery

In September 1947, 714,000 wage earners were on National Coal Board colliery books. In 1972–73, the corresponding figure is 268,000. These and figures for intervening years can be found in the Department's "United Kingdom Energy Statistics" and the National Coal Board's report and accounts, which are available in the Library of the House.

Mr. George Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the present total manpower employed by the National Coal Board; and what was the figure in the same month 1972.

Mr. Tom Boardman

The figures are as follows:

Wage earners on colliery books
(thousands)
13th October 1973 251
14th October 1972 267

Mr. George Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the present total number of vacancies in the coal mining industry.

Mr. Tom Boardman

This is a matter for the National Coal Board, and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.