§ 3. Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many pits have been closed in Wales since March 1985; how many jobs have been lost as a consequence and how many alternative jobs have been provided within the communities affected; and if he will make a statement detailing the Government's plans to secure alternative employment for redundant miners.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsSince March 1985, nine pits in Wales have been closed. The overall South Wales coalfield manpower has fallen by 6,094 as a result of these closures and other rationalisations. In the two counties principally affected, Mid Glamorgan and Gwent, 321 projects promising 8,553 jobs have accepted offers of regional assistance or been allocated Government factories during 1985–86.