HC Deb 08 November 1920 vol 134 cc882-3W
Sir J. CORY

asked the President of the Board of Trade the actual loss in coal output through the coal strike, the loss in wages to the miners, the amount of unemployment caused by the strike, and the estimated loss in wages to all classes of workers through the action of the miners/

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The loss in coal output through the coal strike is estimated at from 13,000,000 to 14,000,000 tons, and the loss in wages to the miners at £14,000,000 to £15,000,000. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that statistics are not available to show the total amount of unemployment or the total loss in wages caused by the coal strike; but among workpeople insured against unemployment under the Unemployment Insurance Act, or the Out-of-Work Donation Scheme for ex-service men, the total number of unemployed rose by approximately 270,000 between the 8th October and the 4th November, and it would appear probable, therefore, that the total increase in the number of unemployed (apart from those employed at the coal mines) cannot have been much less than 350,000, and may have been greater. In addition, a large number of workpeople are reported to have been on short time.

Sir N. MOORE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an Order has been issued in certain industrial centres that in works where power is consumed the working hours must be reduced by 50 per cent, with the object of reducing the consumption of coal; that this Order is being applied to works that have a reserve supply of coal and that, as a result, complaints are being received from employés who suffer as a consequence; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The Order to which the hon. and gallant Member refers was issued with a view to conserving fuel and to continuing employment as long as possible during the recent strike. The Order gave the local authority power to allow exceptions where required by the public interest. The Order, with the other Emergency Orders, was cancelled on 4th November.

Mr. ALLEN PARKINSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade what amount of money it has cost the State to carry out the publicity campaign in advertisements, leaflets, and posters used against the miners during the recent strike?

Sir R. HORNE

The expenditure incurred by the Government on publicity in connection with, the coal strike is approximately £11,750.