HC Deb 22 November 1917 vol 99 cc1340-1
29. Mr. WING

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the serious conditions in various districts in Durham arising from unequal distribution of orders for coal; and what steps has he taken to fulfil his promise to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring re adaptation of orders and transport?

31. Mr. A. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that pits in the county of Durham are still working only two or three days per week; whether he is aware that the wages to be earned for such short time are wholly inadequate for the support of a family and that considerable suffering is resulting; whether the arrangement recently made for a bonus of ls. 6d. per shift has proved to be no remedy for the above state of affairs; and, consequently, whether he is now prepared to guarantee to men working in controlled coal mines either a full week's work or a minimum weekly wage?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)

The situation which has been created in Durham, as in certain other districts, by the shortage of tonnage, has been the subject of close consideration by the Controller of Coal Mines. It does not appear to the Government that the guarantee of a minimum wage is necessary in the circumstances. The best method of alleviating the immediate difficulties of the situation is that of distributing the demand for coal more equally among the collieries in the district. Steps have already been taken in this direction, with the assistance of the Shipping Controller and the Coal Exports Committee, and a Commission of Inquiry, consisting of two local officers of the Coal Mines Department, the Secretary of the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committee, and representatives of the miners is at present investigating the situation in Northumberland and Durham, with instructions to recomend to the Controller a scheme for the better distribution of the available orders.

Mr. WING

May 1 take it that there will be continued investigation until you have found a remedy?

Mr. WARDLE

There will be.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is a similar inquiry taking place in regard to Scotland

Mr. WARDLE

I do not think it applies to Scotland.

Mr. PRINGLE

We understood that inquiries would be made.

Mr. WATT

As it is only a short time since the Coal Controller took charge, is this an indication of the success of his management?