§ MR. W. ABRAHAM (Glamorgan, Rhondda)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention had been called to the dispute and consequent strike in connection with one of the large collieries in the Rhondda Valley, in consequence of the employers refusing to supply them with suitable timber without a reduction of wages to meet the expenses thereof; and, whether such conduct was in accordance with the provisions of the Coal Mines, &c., Regulation Act?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I cannot give any authoritative opinion on the effect of the statute; but as I read the Act, the owner is bound not to allow the timbering of working places to be done by the workmen unless timber is provided at the places named in the Act; but the Act leaves the owners and workmen free to settle by agreement between 1047 themselves on what terms, as to wages and otherwise, the timber shall be conveyed to those places.