§ Mr. Milneasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will ascertain the number of miners over 50 years of age made redundant by pit closures during the past six years, with a view to determining the extent to which alternative employment for them should be provided in the development areas.
§ Mr. DarlingI am aware of the problems created for elderly miners by pit closures. Alternative employment for them is best provided as part of the employment opportunities we are seeking to create in the development areas to match the overall needs of those areas.