HC Deb 17 March 1986 vol 94 cc36-7W
Mr. Pendry

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the percentage change in total gross expenditure, current and capital, on the National Health Service for each year since 1975 deflated by (a) real terms, (b) the retail price index and (c) movement in National Health Service pay and prices.

Mr. Mark Robinson

The information requested is as follows:

End of March Thousand men
1975 33.1
1976 31.8
1977 31.2
1978 30.0
1979 28.6
1980 27.7
1981 26.5
1982 25.5
1983 23.9
1984 21.3
1985 20.5
1986* 14.6
* 8 March.

Equivalent figures for employment at private mines are not available.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total of the job losses in (a) the south Wales coalfield and (b) the north Wales coalfield since 1955.

Mr. Mark Robinson

A total figure for job losses since 1955 is not available. The National Coal Board give the following figures for manpower on colliery books:

South Wales coalfield North Wales coalfield
Average manpower on colliery books 1955 101,300 10,000
Manpower on colliery books as at 8 March 1986 13,400 1,200