§ Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal miners displaced from employment by the operation of the quota provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1930?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe figures collected by the Mines Department are general figures, and information is not available to enable me to show either the number of men displaced or the numbers who have secured employment by the operation of the quota system. I should like to add that in my opinion the total output of coal permitted during the current quarter is at least equal to the amount which is likely to be sold, and that the quota provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, cannot therefore be held responsible for any reduction of employment.