HC Deb 16 November 1939 vol 353 cc858-9W
Mr. W. Joseph Stewart

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in the county of Durham there are 18,000 miners unemployed; and whether any steps are being taken by the Government, with a view to opening some of the mines now closed, so as to help bring those miners now unemployed back into industry?

Mr. E. Brown

The unemployment total given by the hon. Member would appear to relate to nth September. The corresponding figure for 16th October is 11,326, representing a decrease of 7,046 from the September total. With regard to the re-opening of pits, the hon. Member will be aware that this question is one of a number which my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines has raised with the Mining Association and the Mine Workers' Federation.