§ Dr. A. Thompsonasked the President of the Board of Trade when considering areas eligible for assistance under the Local Employment Bill, what inquiries were addressed by his Department to the National Coal Board about the effect on unemployment of plans for the contraction of coal-mining in central Fife; and what answers have been received.
§ Mr. MaudlingConsultations with the National Coal Board are conducted through my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power. My information is that coal-mining employment in the Coal Board's West Fife area is likely to be reduced during 1960 by less than the expected wastage, so that the closures will be achieved without discharging any miners. Recruitment will, however, unfortunately be restricted.