§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are employed in the coal industry in Wales; what were the corresponding figures, respectively, for 1950,1960,1970 and 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsComprehensive figures covering all employees in the coal industry are not available in the form requested. National Coal Board estimates giving the average figures for manpower on colliery books in Wales are as follows, figures rounded to the nearest hundred:
Numbers 1950 108,300 1960 89,200 1970–71 49,000 1980–81 26,500 1981–82 25,500 Current employment—December 1982—is estimated at 24,200.