Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked 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, 859W 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. BrownThe 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.