§ 79. Mr. Murrayasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the coal mines in the Durham, Northwest, division are giving out; that this is causing anxiety to miners and their 26W families and to business people; and what steps he will take to remedy this by the setting up of new factories in this area, or otherwise.
§ Mr. H. StraussI am aware that a decline is expected in the West Durham coalfield in the years ahead. I understand that few workers are at present redundant, and that some of those affected can be employed elsewhere in the mining industry. The powers of the Distribution of Industry Acts are already being used in the area, and the Departments concerned are closely in touch with the National Coal Board.