§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Power, in view of the fact that there were 39,362 persons registered as unemployed in Wales on 14th November, 1966 and only 7,644 vacancies, if he will seek further consultations with the National Coal Board with a view to adjusting the colliery closure programme to prevent the further closure of coal mines in Wales.
§ Mr. MarshI shall continue to maintain close consultation about the colliery 61W closure programme with the Chairman of the National Coal Board. At present there is a substantial shortage of miners in South Wales and jobs can be offered to all able-bodied men likely to be affected by pit closures, provided they are willing to transfer.