Coal Industry (Vacancies)

Oral Answers to Questions — Employment – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 February 1957.

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Photo of Sir Gerald Nabarro Sir Gerald Nabarro , Kidderminster 12:00, 28 February 1957

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent vacancies in the coal mines have declined in the last twelve months; and what contribution has been made by Hungarians.

Photo of Mr Iain Macleod Mr Iain Macleod , Enfield West

In mid-January immediate vacancies were 4,500. This is over 1.500 less than a year earlier. I understand, however, that between 9,000 and 9,500 extra men could usefully be employed by the National Coal Board if they could be recruited at a steady rate and in areas of need. The corresponding figure a year ago was 13,000. Since the beginning of this year, the number of workers on colliery books has increased by about 6,000. In addition about 3,900 Hungarians have been recruited and are now receiving instruction in English.

Photo of Sir Gerald Nabarro Sir Gerald Nabarro , Kidderminster

Could my right hon. Friend answer two further points? First, does the solicitude of the National Union of Mineworkers for the employment of Hungarians extend now to other foreign workers, such as Italians? Secondly, is not the tenor of my right hon. Friend's reply that the economic policies of Her Majesty's Government in attracting workers to this, the most vital of all our industries, are indeed proving highly successful?

Photo of Mr Iain Macleod Mr Iain Macleod , Enfield West

if my hon. Friend will forgive me, I will not comment on the first part of his supplementary question. Ever since these difficulties began I have made a point of keeping out of that matter. There is a great deal of truth in the second half of my hon. Friend's supplementary question. This is a most encouraging picture of recruitment by the National Coal Board, and there is no doubt at all that the policies of Her Majesty's Government have played a part in it.

Photo of Mr Walter Monslow Mr Walter Monslow , Barrow-in-Furness

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it would he better for industrial human relationships if we left it to the industry itself to resolve this issue?