§ SIR CHARLES DILKEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to a dispute at Huncoat Colliery, near Accrington, caused, it is alleged, by the employers refusing to carry out the provisions of Section 12, Subsection 1, of the Coal Mines Regulation Act 1887, in reference to the weighing of coal; whether he is aware that the colliers at work at the pit have taken a ballot which resulted in favour of the system of weighing which exists by the statute; and whether, while the employers have refused to permit this system, the inspector of mines for the district has not as yet taken action in the matter; and, whether he sees ground for interference, and possesses power, under the Act of 1887, to cause a concession to the view of the men?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYsaid that he was at present unable to reply to the whole of the right hon. 849 Baronet's Question, but an answer would be forwarded to him.
§ SIR C. DILKEWill the right hon. Gentleman send the answer to the Question to the Secretary of the Trades Congress, Mr. Samuel Woods?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYCertainly; wherever the right hon. Baronet likes.