Captain FABERasked if the right hon. Gentleman will state whether he will consider the advisability of suspending the Coal Mines (Eight Hours) Act, seeing that dissatisfaction exists amongst the miners at its working?
§ Mr. CASSELasked whether it is intended on resumption of work at the coal mines to suspend the operation of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1908, pursuant to Section 4 of that Act, so as to enable more than eight hours to be worked in a day?
§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked whether, following the resumption of work in the coal trade, it is intended to suspend temporarily, by Order in Council, the operation of the Eight Hours Act?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt would be possible to suspend the Act referred to under the terms of Section 4; but His Majesty's Government are not in present circumstances prepared to adopt this course, unless it is made clear to them that such action is desired by all the parties to the present dispute, or is essential in the general interest of the community.
Captain FABERIs it not a fact that the miners on piece-work earn 5 per cent. less than they were paid before the Act came into force?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should require notice of that question.