§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, with reference to paragraph 24 of the interim report on the coal industry, he will make an estimate of expected manpower in 1985 given OMS being raised at 4 per cent. per year; and what the Scottish share is expected to be.
§ Mr. EadieIt is not possible to predict with any certainty manpower levels in 1985 needed to maintain output at around present levels, even assuming increases in output per manshift of 4 per cent. per annum, as other factors such as attendance levels, holiday and rest day arrangements etc. cannot be reliably estimated so far ahead. But it is clear that to retain a satisfactory level of manpower will require a vigorous recruiting campaign to offset the effects of the age structure of the industry's work force on future retirement levels. It is not feasible to give separate estimates of future manpower needs for individual areas.