Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the growing unemployment and underemployment at several pits in the county of Durham; and what action he has taken to find useful employment for the men affected?
§ Mr. BevinIn view of the changed circumstances in the coal-mining industry the arrangements which had previously1000W been made for retaining and adding to the personnel of the industry have been revised. The special suspension of calling up for the Forces has been cancelled and transfers of unemployed miners to the vacancies thus created, to employment outside the industry or to training will be effected as rapidly as possible. These arrangements are being made in agreement with my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines.