HC Deb 20 February 1947 vol 433 c203W
94. Dr. Jeger

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of coal-cutting and mine haulage machinery was installed in British mines in the last 20 years of private ownership.

Mr. Shinwell

In 1925 there were 6,650 coal cutters in use in coal mines in Great Britain. The number had increased to 8,300 in 1945 and there was, of course, a considerable change in the capacity of the machines installed. The percentage of coal cut by these machines was 20 per cent. of total output in 1925 and 72 per cent. in 1945. Corresponding details of haulage machinery are not available.