asked the Minister of Labour the number of coal- mine workers over the age of 60 and 65 years, who have signed on at the employment exchanges in the North-West area, between 1st January and 30th June, 1947.

As this information was not separately recorded, I regret that it is not now available. However at 17th June there were only 78 unemployed colliery workers aged 18 and over in the North-West region.

Is the Minister aware that the policy now being pursued by the National Coal Board in the North-West area is causing men, who are quite prepared to continue their work in the pits, to leave, and is he further aware that from 1st January to 30th June, 1947, 267 men of the age of 65 were dismissed from employment in the pits? Is he further aware that 63 men between 60 and 65 have also been dismissed, and in view of the dire need for manpower in the mining industry, will he use his good offices to prevent this policy from being further pursued?

I was not aware of the statement of facts given by my hon. Friend, but I promise I will look into them and see what we can do to correct anything that is wrong.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in my own constituency this difficulty has been going on and I have had constant complaints of able-bodied men of 65 who are not allowed to work in the coalmines at a time when appeals are made for more coal, and will my right hon. Friend make a most urgent and speedy investigation?

Quite definitely. Would my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham (Mr. Hale) and my hon. Friend the Member for Ince (Mr. T. Brown) be good enough to send me particulars of the places to which they refer, so that I can check up?

Will the Minister bear in mind that there are jobs underground which can be done by older men not necessarily at the coal face, and will he see that these men are employed?

Is the Minister aware that this information has been supplied to us through the medium of the Miners' Federation and that his Department ought to be aware of what is going on?

I will look up the point, but there is a Coal Board and whether this information is in their hands, I do not know. I cannot do more than promise to look into the case.