HC Deb 01 July 1968 vol 767 cc154-6W
12. Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (1) what plans her Department have to facilitate the obsorption of 2,000 men who will become redundant upon the closure of the Bradford Colliery, Manchester;

(2) whether she will consult with the National Union of Mineworkers and the National Coal Board on the future of those currently employed at Bradford Colliery, Manchester.

23. Mr. Ogden

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (1) what consultations took place between her Department and the National Coal Board prior to the Board's announcement of its intention to close Bradford Colliery, Manchester, in September 1968;

(2) how many men and women will lose their employment on Bradford Colliery, Manchester, being closed in September 1968; and what action she is taking to provide alternative employment by that date.

Mr. Fernyhough

The National Coal Board keep us informed of all proposals for colliery closures through my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power.

There were 1,433 men and 11 women employed at the colliery on 1st June. It is understood that the N.C.B. will be able to offer about 200 jobs in other areas. My regional and local officers will consult closely with the Coal Board and the N.U.M. over arrangements for dealign with the redundancies and will take all possible steps to find alternative work for those affected, including setting up a special employment office at the colliery.

19. Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what opportunities will be available to miners made redundant by the proposed closure of Bradford Colliery, Manchester, for retraining in other occupations.

Mr. Hattersley

Most of the retraining required is likely to be at operator level, and can best be given by employers with the help of the Industrial Training Boards. Those miners who want and are suitable for the accelerated training for skill given by Government Training Centres can obtain it at the Manchester Centre, which is within daily travelling distance, or at any of the remaining 38 centres where the trade of their choice is taught.