§ Mr. Lomasasked the Minister of Power what increase in productivity the National Coal Board is seeking to achieve in coalmining by 1980; and what effect he estimates that this would have on manpower requirements in the industry if output and demand remained constant at the current level.
§ Mr. MarshI am quite unable to give figures for 1980 because the uncertainties that far ahead are too great.
§ Mr. Concannonasked the Minister of Power what is the estimated increase in productivity per annum required in the coal mining industry assuming an industry producing 80 million tons per year and employing 65,000 men by 1980; and what he estimates would be the output per man-shift on these figures.
§ Mr. FreesonTo obtain an output of 80 million tons from 65,000 men would require a productivity of 120 cwts. per man shift. An average increase of about 6 cwts. per annum in output per man-shift would be necessary over the next thirteen years to achieve this by 1980.