HC Deb 04 December 1951 vol 494 cc222-3W
89. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to introduce more boys leaving school to take up mining as a career.

Sir P. Bennett

The Department, in co-operation with the National Coal Board, is, through advertisement and other methods of publicity, bringing specially to the notice of young persons the opportunities offered in coalmining. In addition, full information about coalmining as a career is given to boys leaving school by the Youth Employment Service, and special lodging allowances are paid to boys entering the industry who have to live away from home.

96. Mr. G. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour how many Italians are now working in the mines; and what is his policy for the future regarding Italians working in the mines.

Sir P. Bennett

Of 1,320 Italians who have arrived in this country, approximately 450 are now working in the mines and 200 more have completed their course of instruction in English and have gone forward to colliery training centres. My right hon. Friend's policy is to bring over as many Italians as the National Coal Board can accept to meet the shortage of man-power in the coalmining industry.

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