§ Mr. G. Griffithsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of shifts lost for which the guaranteed wage has been paid for June and July, 1943, since the new scheme of control came into force; the estimated loss of output in the British coal field, giving figures for each district; and what steps are being taken to ascertain the cause of these lost shifts with a view of reducing them or finding a remedy?
Major Lloyd GeorgeMy Regional Controllers have been giving their attention for a considerable time to cases of shifts lost at collieries in respect of which guaranteed wage payments have been made. Comparability between the guaranteed wage statistics collected regionally was not established until early in July, and national figures cannot, therefore, be given in respect of any period earlier than the four weeks ended 31st July. In that period, the estimated total number of man-shifts in respect of which guaranteed wage payments were made was 125,000. Of this total, roughly 25 per cent. consists of man shifts which were actually worked, but for which payment was made due to their being substituted work shifts. The 47W estimated loss of tonnage through shifts lost or curtailed due to waiting time was 130,000 tons. It would not be in the public interest to publish district figures. As regards the last part of the Question, my Regional Controllers are fully informed of all shifts lost, whether guaranteed wage is payable or not. This information, both as to the amount of time lost, and the reason for the loss is furnished weekly, thus enabling production staffs in the regions to inquire closely into the causes of lost time and deal suitably with the difficulties.