HC Deb 07 May 1908 vol 188 cc424-5
MR. BOWLES

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he can state the number of miners throughout the country who, on ballots taken, have declared themselves opposed to the Coal Mines (Eight Hours) Bill; and what proportion does this number bear to the total number of miners voting at the same ballots.

MR. GLADSTONE

I have no special sources of information on this subject which are not open to any inquirer, and I have no official figures; but I have of course general information contained in statements which have been made to me as showing the state of opinion among the miners expressed by the ballots which have been taken. I think the matter is one which can best be dealt with in the course of the debates on the Bill.

MR. HARVEY (Derbyshire, N. E.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that false representations have been made on this subject at by-elections?

MR. GLADSTONE

I do not know to what particular statement the hon. Member refers.