§ Mr. Barnesasked the Secretary for Mines whether he intends to implement the promise made in response to representations made by the trade to increase the one per cent. allowance granted to petrol retailers under the Motor Fuel Rationing Order, 1939, to two per cent.; and
552Wthere are 6,571 insured men aged 18 to 64 years classified as miners unemployed in the Durham coalfield; and what progress is being made with a view to opening some of the mines now closed in the county so that these men may be brought back into employment?
§ Mr. LloydI have seen the figures mentioned. As the hon. Member is aware, the Coal Production Council is actively engaged in increasing the production of coal, and I understand that one of the problems on which they are at work is the extent to which men registered as unemployed colliery workers can be reabsorbed into the industry.