§ 51. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour if any inquiry has been made into the reasons for the failure to recruit more manpower into the coal-mining industry and, in particular, to what extent the present regulations preventing youths leaving the industry are a deterrent; and whether he will consider granting the personal freedom that used 229W to prevail in this connection for an experimental period of 12 months to see what may happen.
§ Mr. IsaacsYes. Recruitment for the coalmining industry is watched continuously by an Inter-departmental Committee specially set up for the purpose. There is nothing to prevent youths under 18 leaving the industry, so the last part of the Question does not arise.