§ Mr. MILLARasked the Under-Secretary of State if he can state the number of men at present engaged in the production of coal in England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively, and the number of miners who could, under present conditions, be spared for service in the Army?
§ Mr. G. ROBERTSMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The numbers of persons at present employed, under ground and above ground, at mines under the Coal Mines Act in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively, are as follows:—
England (including N.Wales) 656,300 Scotland 127,600 South Wales and Monmouth 217,400 Total 1,001300 The question of the number of miners who can be spared for service in the Army is now under consideration. Regard must necessarily be had to the extent to which any further withdrawal of men would reduce the production of coal and to the effect of such reduction on the essential industries of the country and the requirements of our Allies. It should be added that arrangements are being made to obtain miners from the coal mines to assist in the production of ironstone and in the felling and hauling of timber for pit-wood.
§ Mr. MILLARasked the Under-Secretary of State if he can state the number of days at present being worked weekly or fortnightly by the miners in the various coalfields in the United Kingdom?
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§ Mr. ROBERTSMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the "Board of Trade Labour Gazette" for April, on. page 135 of which will be found the latest available information as to the number of days worked per week in the various districts.