§ Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that a large quantity of coal is being lost to the nation at the Penallta Colliery, South Wales, by the repeated failure of the transport system responsible for the conveyance of the miners to the colliery; that a large sum of money has had to be paid under the Essential Work Order to the men concerned; and if he will take steps to end this state of affairs.
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am aware that on several occasions during the winter there has been failure in transport services to the colliery. As a consequence, a number of men have not attended for work, and there has been a loss of coal tonnage, which is substantial. There have been consequential payments of guaranteed wage under the Essential Work (Coal Mining Industry) Orders 1941 to 1943. The miners transport services in the district have recently been reorganised by my right hon. Friend the Minister of War Transport and some new buses have been allotted to the undertakers. I think therefore that reasonable steps have been taken to meet the situation.