§ Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Power how many men were employed in coalmining in Scotland in 1965, 1966, and 1967, respectively; and how many he estimates will be employed in June, 1968.
§ Mr. FreesonThe number of men employed in Scottish collieries at the end of the financial years 1965–66 and 1966–67 was 44,867 and 41,831 respectively. 39,183 men were on the books of pits in Scotland at the end of last month.
75WIt is not possible to estimate how many men will be employed at Scottish pits next June since this will depend upon the number of men voluntarily leaving the industry and the number of pits which the National Coal Board need to close during the coming months.
§ Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Power what was the number of coalmines closed in Scotland in 1965, 1966 and 1967, respectively; and how many he estimates will be closed in 1968.
§ Mr. FreesonThe number of Scottish collieries closed in 1965–66 and 1966–67 was eleven and ten respectively. Five pits were closed during the first seven months of 1967–68 and six other closures in Scotland have been deferred until after the end of 1967 following the Prime Minister's statement on 29th September.
The National Coal Board have not so far informed us of any other collieries in Scotland whose results are placing their future in jeopardy.