If by 'before' you mean in 1920, when mining employment peaked at around 1.2 million. In 1970, 5 years before Thatcher was elected there were around 300,000. [0

If by 'before' you mean in 1920, when mining employment peaked at around 1.2 million. In 1970, 5 years before Thatcher was elected there were around 300,000. [0] To your second point, I come from a mining background, you can find my name on many pit disaster monuments and you can take it from me that that benefit is very much recognised. [0] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_mining_in_the_United_Kingdom# https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_mining_in_the_United_Ki...