§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMasked the Secretary for Mines if he will make inquiries for the purpose of ascertaining how many miners in England and Wales have been suspended from employment owing to the operation of the quota under the Coal Mines Act?
§ Mr. SHINWELLNo, Sir; I am not prepared to institute such inquiries, as I am satisfied that it would not be possible to specify how much any fluctuation in employment in the mining industry is attributable to any one cause. Further, I have already expressed the opinion that the total output of coal permitted during the current quarter is at least equal to the probable demand, and that the quota provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, cannot therefore be held responsible for any reduction of employment.