§ Sir W. EDGEasked the Minister of Labour whether there are any quarries in this country which are either closed or working short time; and, if so, whether he can state the reasons, in view of the demand for stone for all purposes?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI have been asked to reply. The number of quarries over 20 feet deep which were worked at some time during 1934 was 5, 170 out of a total of 6, 130. It should, however, be remembered that work is carried on intermittently at a large number of quarries in the ownership of county and local authorities and others, as required. I should add that the output of mineral from quarries in 1934 was 79,000,000 tons, or one-sixth more than the record figure for 1933, and more than two-thirds greater than in 1913.