asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether any effort is being made to extend the operations of existing coal mines or to introduce into such mines a larger labour force; and if so, whether he will indicate the nature of the action taken or contemplated for these purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Coal Mines.
With the exception of the coal deposits operated by Míanraí Tta., all the existing coal mines are being operated by private enterprise. I am satisfied that the private interests operating coal mines are neglecting no opportunity to extend operations. Efforts to extend operations are limited, however, by the supply of skilled workers, which at present is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the operating companies.
I have, at the request of colliery owners in certain areas, made Emergency Powers Orders amending the provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, which governs the employment of miners, so as to permit workers without the prescribed experience to act as coal getters provided they work under proper supervision, and supplementary allowances of some rationed commodities have also been made available to coal miners.