§ Mr. Harperasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many men were employed by the National Coal Board on 30th September 1947, and what was the total employed on that date in each of the subsequent years to 1973, inclusive.
§ Mr. EmeryIn September 1947, 714,000 wage earners were on National Coal Board colliery books. In 1972–73,696W the corresponding figure is 268,000. These and figures for intervening years can be found in the Department's "United Kingdom Energy Statistics" and the National Coal Board's report and accounts, which are available in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the present total manpower employed by the National Coal Board; and what was the figure in the same month 1972.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanThe figures are as follows:
Wage earners on colliery books (thousands) 13th October 1973 251 14th October 1972 267
§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the present total number of vacancies in the coal mining industry.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanThis is a matter for the National Coal Board, and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.