§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Power (1) what consultations he has had with the National Union of Mine-workers about the operation and amendment of the Redundant Mineworkers' Payment Scheme, 1967; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many representations he has received for changes in the administration of the Redundant Mineworkers' Payment Scheme, 1967; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. FreesonMy right hon. Friend has had regular consultation with the Union during the preparation of the Scheme and since. The Unions and other interests have made representations notably for the revision of the initial date for eligibility for benefit; the method of calculating offset of other benefits against Scheme benefit; the conditions for disqualification from benefit during absence abroad; the calculation of pre-redundancy earnings; and the entitlement of mineworkers who, while otherwise eligible, died before the Redundant Mineworkers' (Payments Scheme) Order, 1968 came into force. All have been considered carefully and sympathetically.
My right hon. Friend has been unable to agree revision on the first two points; the third is being considered; in the last two cases concessions have been agreed. Considering that some 20,000 men have so far benefited under the Scheme representations have been relatively few.
166W
§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Power what studies his Department have undertaken into the labour shortage now being created in certain coalfields by the administration of the Redundant Mineworkers' Payments Scheme, 1967; and what action he proposes to take in this matter.
§ Mr. FreesonPerhaps my hon. Friend would let me know in more detail what he has in mind.