§ MR. J. A. M. MACDONALD (Tower Hamlets, Bow and Bromley)On behalf of the hon. Member for South West Ham (Mr. J. Keir Hardie), I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department—(1) whether he is aware that the miners employed in No. 7, Blair Pit, Dalry, Ayrshire, appointed James Crawford as their check-weigher on 1st May, in the form prescribed by the Mines Regulation Act; that a letter was sent to Mr. Cunningham, the manager, inviting him to attend at the ballot, but that the manager refuses to allow Crawford to take his place on the pit head until the miners sign their names at the office that they are in favour of him acting as check-weigher; and (2) whether such action is in accordance with the Mines Act?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GEORGE RUSSELL,) North BedsMy attention has already been called to this case by the Inspector. The facts are as stated in the first paragraph, but I am informed that the following day the men agreed to sign the paper, and that the check-weigher has been allowed to take up his duties. I do not think that the manager was entitled under the Mines Act to require the miners to sign the paper.
§ MR. J. A. M. MACDONALDOn behalf of the same hon. Member, I beg to ask the Secretary for the Home Department—(1) whether he is aware that 1312 in certain pits in Dalry, Ayrshire, workmen are prohibited from ascending the shaft before Four o'clock, even when their work is finished earlier, or when from any cause they are unable to continue at work; and (2) whether he will introduce a clause into the new Mines Act putting a stop to such proceedings?
MR. GEORGE RUSSELLI understand that it is a fact that in certain pits in Dalry, workmen are prohibited from ascending the shaft before Four o'clock, but I am informed this rule is not strictly enforced in case of illness or other reasonable excuse being made. I will consult the Secretary of State as to the last question.