HC Deb 15 July 1975 vol 895 cc476-7W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is in favour of the introduction of a four-day week in the coal industry.

Mr. Benn

This is a matter for the National Coal Boad and the unions concerned.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals he has for the National Coal Board to pass into workers' control.

Mr. Benn

I have suggested that further consideration be given to the development of democratic self-management by those who work in the industry.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the average weekly hours currently being worked by National Coal Board colliery workers.

Mr. Eadie

I have asked the Chairman of the National Coal Board to write to the hon. Member on this matter.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the current rate of absenteeism in the coal mining industry; and what are the comparable figures for each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Eadie

Figures on absenteeism in National Coal Board mines are published monthly in Table 6 of "Energy Trends" and in Table 58 of the "Monthly Digest of Statistics", copies of which are available in the Library of the House. The latest published figures relate to May. I am asking the Chairman of the National Coal Board to write to the hon. Member about more recent figures and the corresponding figures for each of the last 10 years. No information is readily available on absenteeism at non-NCB mines.