HC Deb 27 November 1973 vol 865 cc97-8W
57. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many miners have left the coal mining industry in the past three months.

Mr. Emery

In the 13 weeks ended 27th October, a total of 11,652 men left the industry. In the same period there were 4,636 recruits giving a net reduction of 7,016 men. There have been 2,650 job losses due to five pit closures during this period.

Mr. Raison

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of coal miners leaving the industry is leaving from closed pits.

Mr. Emery

About 9 per cent. of men leaving the industry for any reason are from collieries which have closed.

Mr. Coleman

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of men recruited each month during the past 12 months for underground working in the mining industry ;

(2) if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the numbers of men employed in the mining industry, for each month during the past 12 months.

Mr. Emery

Following is the information :

COLLIERY MANPOWER AT NATIONAL COAL BOARD MINES
Average number of wage earners on colliery books(Thousands) Recruitment(Number)
November 1972 267 1,519
December 1972 266 1,769
January 1973 265 1,600
February 1973 265 1,897
March 1973 264 1,938
April 1973 263 1,261
May 1973 261 1,288
June 1973 260 1,351
July 1973 257 1,071
August 1973 256 1,352
September 1973 253 1,867
October 1973 250 1,417

Numbers of recruits for underground working are not available.

NCB manpower statistics are published every month in "Trade and Industry" published by the Department and in the "Monthly Digest of Statistics" published by the Central Statistical Office.