§ Mr. Milneasked the Minister of Labour 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 training facilities are required to rehabilitate those affected in the various development districts.
§ Mr. GunterI regret that figures are not available for the whole of the six year period. In the three years ending March, 1967, a total of 6245 miners aged 50 and over became redundant through closures and re-organisation of collieries. This figure includse 4,222 men aged 60 and under 65 and 36 men aged 65 and over. On 12th June, 1967, 2,384 ex-miners aged 50 and over were registered at employment exchanges as unemployed. Redundant miners who want and are suitable for training for skilled occupations may attend any of the 33 Government Training Centres, 14 of which are in or near development areas; a further six Government Training Centres will be opened in such areas before the end of 1968. Redeployment can also be assisted by the Ministry's Industrial Rehabilitation Service which is establishing four new units in areas affected by pit closures in addition to the eight units already in or near development areas.