§ Mr. McKayasked the Paymaster-General whether he is aware that the reduction by 8,000,000 tons of the inland consumption of coal during the first twenty-two weeks of this year, and the likely reduction by 15 million tons by the end of the year, will involve a reduction of about 40,000 in the number of deep-mine coal workers after allowing for a reduction of 3,000,000 tons of opencast production if the stock of coal ceases; and what action he will take to prevent the development of this situation in the industry.
5W
§ Sir I. HorobinThe hon. Member's estimate of a reduction of 15 million tons is much too pessimistic.