§ Mr. Fisherasked the Minister of Power what is the present rate of manpower loss in the coal industry; how this compares with the estimate in the National Plan; and if he will make a statement on its effect on future coal production.
§ Mr. MarshIn the 52 weeks ended 26th March, 1966, there was a net manpower loss in the coal industry of 41,043. The National Plan estimated the average annual loss between 1965 and 1970 as somewhat less than the actual annual average loss of 27,000 from 1960 to mid 1965. I need to examine present trends in mining manpower in greater detail before I can form a considered judgment about their effect on future coal production.