HC Deb 02 December 1976 vol 921 cc224-5W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he has taken to encourage the National Coal Board to employ additional young people in the current year.

Mr. Eadie

Recruiting policy is a matter for the National Coal Board and I am asking the Chairman to write to the Hon. Member. However, I understand that some 37 per cent. of all recruitment in the first 33 weeks of this year has been of juveniles.

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the total number of new recruits required in the mining industry in Scotland if the miners' retirement age was reduced to 60 years starting in 1978.

Mr. Eadie

This is a question for the National Coal Board, and I am asking the Chairman to write to the hon. Member.