§ Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Labour what information he has been given by the National Coal Board regarding reductions in coalmining manpower in Twechar, Croy, Dullatur and Kirkintilloch during the past five years; what further run-down is proposed; and what steps he is taking, in consultation with the National Coal Board, to ensure alternative employment for those displaced.
§ Mr. WhitelawI understand that the numbers employed in coalmining in this area declined from 3,672 at the end of 1958 to 1,955 at the end of 1963. Future employment in coalmining in this locality will depend on a number of factors including the growth of productivity and the demand for coal. The National Coal Board will do everything possible to find alternative employment for any coalminers who might be displaced and the full facilities of our Department will continue to be available to any who seek our help. The number of men formerly employed in coalmining registered as unemployed on 13th April at the employment exchanges of Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch was 36 and 20.