§ 27. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what action he proposes to take to increase the number of miners available where they are urgently required.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe Government have ceased recruiting in the coalfields for the Armed Forces of the Crown. They have extended the scheme under which ex-miners who had volunteered on regular engagements may return to digging coal; and they have just made a new appeal to these men to do so. In conjunction with the National Coal Board, they are starting a new campaign to obtain additional recruits for the pits. There is the closest collaboration between the National Coal Board and the employment exchanges.
The Government have approved in principle a scheme for supplementary pensions for miners, submitted to me by the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers.
Ten thousand additional houses have been allocated for 1951 and 1952 to meet the needs of local authorities in mining areas. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Local Government and Planning and I are receiving further proposals from the National Coal Board for additional housing schemes where they would help.
My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is recruiting men in Italy for service in the pits.