HC Deb 28 June 1974 vol 875 cc4-5W
37. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had with the Coal Board and the unions regarding productivity in the coalfields; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Varley

Productivity is one of the main matters being considered by the tripartite examination of the future rôle of the coal industry. An interim report will be issued tomorrow.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give figures to indicate the trend of productivity in the United Kingdom coal mines.

Mr. Eadie

Annual and monthly figures of average output per manshift at NCB mines are published monthly in the "Monthly Digest of Statistics" and in "Trade and Industry". The latest published information is given in Table 6 on page 477 of the issue dated 30th May 1974.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will compare coal mining productivity figures in the United Kingdom. Western Germany and the United States of America for the last year for which figures are available.

Mr. Eadie

Figures on average output per manshift in NCB mines are published monthly in "Trade and Industry". The latest published information is given at Table 6 on page 477 of the issue dated 30th May 1974. Figures of average output per manshift underground for the Federal Republic of Germany as well as for the United Kingdom are published in "Energy Statistics 1973 No. 4" published by the Statistical Office of the European Communities, but the method of compilation of the figures differs between the two countries and a comparison of the relative levels of productivity would be misleading. Corresponding figures for the United States of America are not readily available.