Captain FABERasked the Prime Minister (1) if he will consider the advisability of having a secret ballot amongst the miners as to their wish to have the Mines (Eight Hours) Act suspended, seeing their output has decreased by nearly 5 per cent, since the introduction of the Act, thus making their earnings less; and (2) whether, looking at the shortage of coal and the loss of money incurred by the miners owing to the strike, he will consider the advisability of suspending the Mines (Eight Hours) Act for a year?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Prime Minister has asked me to reply to these questions. The Government have no power to take a ballot of the miners as suggested, even if it were desirable to do so. The average tonnage produced per person employed underground was 331 in 1911 as compared with 346 in 1908—a decrease of rather more than 4 per cent.; the total output shows a considerable increase. As stated by the Prime Minister, in reply to a previous question of the hon. Member, His Majesty's Government do not propose to recommend a suspension of the Act unless it is made clear to them that the suspension is desired by all parties, or is essential in the general interest of the community.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to Section 4 of the Act, and whether there is to-day any grave economic disturbance due to the demand for coal exceeding the supply available at the present time; and, if so, having regard to the words of this Section, does he not think this is an occasion under the Section?
§ Mr. McKENNAUnder the circumstances it might be an occasion which was foreseen by the Act. Under the circumstances stated in the reply His Majesty's Government would be prepared to consider the application of Section 4.
§ Mr. PETOWill the right hon. Gentleman indicate how he will ascertain that there is a general desire for the repeal of the Act if a secret ballot is not to be held?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt would be quite easy for the representatives of the owners and the miners to represent to the Government 869 that it was their general desire that the temporary repeal or suspension of the Act should take place.
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask if it is not the fact that in Australia, where the eight hours' day has existed for a long time, the output has really been increased rather than diminished?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will inquire.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I ask whether there is anything about the general desire of the parties in the Act, and is not the responsibility on the Government where there is grave economic disturbance?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes; but if both owners and miners object to the suspension of the Act, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government it would be undesirable to take advantage of Section 4. There is nothing in the Act which compels the Government to act where no advantage would be gained.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSDoes the Government consider the rights of the consumer?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf both owners and workmen object to the suspension of the Act, how does the right hon. Gentleman propose that the extension of the hours should be enforced?
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSDo they have a vote?