HC Deb 04 December 1922 vol 159 c1253W
Major KELLEY

asked the Secretary for Mines the average number of shifts per week worked in the coal mines of South Yorkshire during the third quarter of 1921 and the third quarter of 1922; and the average earnings of hewers or other skilled men in the South Yorkshire mines in each of these periods?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX

Coal was wound at the mines of South Yorkshire on 5.10 days per week during the third quarter of 1921 and on 5.19 days per week during the third quarter of 1922.

I have no means of ascertaining the average earnings of hewers employed on piecework, but for those employed on day-wage rates the average rate per shift was 15s. 3d. during the third quarter of 1921 and 10s. 2d. during the third quarter of 1922. The earnings of men paid on piece-rate prices would be greater.

Major KELLEY

asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is proposed to continue the official collection of statistics concerning the wages paid to miners in each coalfield, together with the average output per man; and at what intervals will these statistics be published?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX

Yes, Sir. They will continue to be published quarterly.