50.
asked the Minister of Labour, how many Poles are now working in the mines.
184 Poles have gone into the coalmining industry. Thirty are in actual employment. One hundred and fifity-four are in their preliminary four weeks' training.
51.
asked the Minister of Labour what plans he has for the engagement of foreign, other than Polish, labour in the mines.
At the present time, as many entrants as the industry can absorb are forthcoming from British applicants and volunteers from the Polish Re-settlement Corps. There is thus no immediate question of the engagement of foreign workers, but with a view to the utilisation of this source if and when circumstances render it desirable, discussions are in progress with the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers.
Does that mean that the coal industry has all the men it requires?
No, Sir, the answer means what it says:
"at the present time, as many entrants as the industry can absorb. …"