§ 103. Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that anxiety about unemployment exists in North-West Durham mining areas, where the coal seams are fast working out, or are not an economic proposition; and what are the Government plans to find alternative employment.
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes, but I am informed that the National Coal Board are trying out new methods in an effort to maintain as high as possible the output of this particular valuable coal. Alternative coalmining employment is available for those willing and able to move to the Eastern part of Durham and to other coalfields. In the area itself a number of new factories have been built since the war and others are under construction and my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is continuing his efforts to attract suitable projects to this part of the North-East Coast Development Area