SIR J. T. DILLWYN LLEWELYN (Swansea, Town)I beg to ask whether the President of the Board of Trade can make any suggestion with a view to removing the difficulty which stands in the way of a conference between the employees and employed in the South Wales coal dispute?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADEAs I have already indicated, in answer to a previous Question on this subject, I think it desirable, if possible, that both parties to a conference should have the same powers. It seems to me that the difficulty which stands in the way of negotiation might, perhaps, be overcome if the collieries were to choose a body of delegates with powers to settle on their behalf who should be in attendance for consultation during the negotiations between the committees of employers and employed. Under such an arrangement, though the workmen's Committee would not be actually empowered to effect a settlement, the general body of delegates who would be so empowered would be immediately available for consultation and decision.