HC Deb 14 January 1975 vol 884 cc68-9W
Mr. Craigen

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many boys under 18 years of age and how many men between 18 and 25 years of age, respectively, were unemployed for longer than six months during each of the past five years for which figures are available; and what percentage this constituted of the total of all those unemployed in Great Britain as a whole, and in Scotland, respectively.

Mr. John Fraser

The most recent analysis of the unemployed register according to age and duration of unemployment relates to 8th July 1974. The following table shows the available information for July each year:

on inquiry into underground working conditions in coal mines, in view of the conditions faced by workers in the coal mining industry.

Mr. Harold Walker

No. Working conditions underground in mines have greatly improved over the last 10–20 years, and this is being maintained by the use of improved equipment and working methods and by the vigilance of Her Majesty's inspectors and both sides of industry. The provisions in the new Coal Mines (Respirable Dust) Regulations, which should be in operation later this year, will improve matters further.

I am sure that the Health and Safety Commission will encourage the continuation of the tradition of consultation within the industry which will ensure that these matters continue to be kept under constant review.