§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELasked the Minister of Munitions whether any scheme is contemplated for bringing into the Cleveland district men from other districts to work in the ironstone mines; whether he is aware that many hundreds of Cleveland miners have enlisted in the Army; whether there are any classes of these men who could be returned for work in the mines without serious detriment to the military Service; whether he is aware that such men, being familiar with the working conditions of these mines, would be of more value in increasing the output than any others; whether he is aware that some of the mines are now not always working full time; whether measures can be taken to remedy this; and whether, before any steps are taken to bring in men from elsewhere, an opportunity will be given to the Cleveland Miners' Association to express their views?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe need for a large increase in the output of iron ore will necessitate a considerable addition to the numbers of men working in ironstone mines in the Cleveland and other districts. The Minister is fully aware of the advantages of utilising the services of men familiar with the working conditions of these mines, and the question of releasing from the Colours ironstone miners who are not fit for general service is under discussion with the War Office. The Minister has no definite information of mines not now working full time; but a local inquiry is being instituted, and all possible measures will be taken to remedy this state of affairs if it is found to exist. The Cleveland Miners' and Quarrymen's Association have already communicated with the Ministry on the introduction of labour from elsewhere, and an opportunity will be given to them of expressing their views before any steps are taken by the Ministry.