§ Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give the gross natural wastage at coalmines during the three quarters of 1945; the normal juvenile recruitment and other recruitment, including soldiers returned from the Forces, in the same period; and the total number of persons employed in coalmines at 22nd September, 1945.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe figures of wastage and recruitment for the first quarter of 1945 were published in the Statistical Digest for 1944 and appear in table 24. Corresponding figures for the second quarter were published on 18th August in the Board of Trade Journal. Final figures for the third quarter of 1945 are not yet available, but will be published shortly in the Board of Trade Journal. The number of wage-earners on colliery books at 22nd September, 1945, was 701,300.
§ Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what economic and social improvements he is making for miners to secure the necessary number required for the amount of coal that is likely to be demanded during the coming winter.
§ Mr. ShinwellA number of steps to improve conditions are being or will shortly be taken, but I am afraid that an increase in the number of recruits to the industry is unlikely to result in any appreciable improvement in output this winter, for which I must rely on the experienced miners already in the industry.