THE EARL OF ROSSLYNMy Lords, I rise to ask His Majesty's Government whether any scheme whereby the miners could be represented on Colliery Boards and share in the profits has ever been considered by His Majesty's Government; and in what respect.
§ LORD SOMERLEYTONMy Lords, the Government have considered the reports on the second stage of the Coal Industry Commission. Noble Lords will remember that Sir Arthur Duckham's report contains provisions for representation of miners on colliery boards. On August 18, in the Prime Minister's review of the trade and industrial position, he announced the Government's policy with regard to the future of the coal industry. Briefly, the policy then decided upon might be stated to be—first, nationalisation of mining royalties; second, certain improvements in housing conditions; and third, unification and amalgamation within districts, with the workers having directors on the Area Boards which control the policy in the district, and also having the opportunity of co-operation in shaping the general conditions of the industry.
As a result of the Prime Minister's meeting with the Trades Union Congress Parliamentary Committee and the Executive of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain on October 9, the position underwent a considerable change, necessitating a further consideration of policy by the Cabinet. Subsequently the Prime Minister intimated that it would be necessary for him to refer the matter to his colleagues for further consideration in view of the fact that the Miners' Federation objected to unification even if accompanied by representation on the board of directors. Since then I learn that no move has been made and I regret I have no further information on the subject which I can communicate to the noble Earl.
THE EARL OF ROSSLYNWill the noble Lord make representation to the Government that all these objections can be overruled?
§ LORD SOMERLEYTONI will take care that what the noble Earl has said is passed along.