§ Mr. NEWTONasked whether, in view of the fact that the Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Bill provides that the conditions with respect to the regularity and efficiency of the work to be performed by workmen are to be settled in each district by a Joint District Board and that the chairman of such Board is, in default of agreement, to be appointed by the Board of Trade, and that the chairman is to have a casting vote, instructions have been or will be drawn up for the guidance of such chairmen with a view to securing the adequate safeguards promised to the employers; and whether such instructions will be communicated to the House forthwith?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe chairman is to be an independent and impartial person, and it is not desirable that he should be fettered with instructions.
§ Mr. NEWTONAre we to understand that the Prime Minister will not convey any idea to those chairmen of the views which the Government themselves hold as to the necessity and method to secure adequate safeguards.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it would be a very improper thing to do.