§ Mr. CLAUDE LOWTHERasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the on rush of misery overspreading the country through the continuation of the coal strike, the Government will cause the mines to be opened and accord adequate protection to those men who are willing to work?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna, for the Prime Minister)I am not sure that I understand what the hon. Member means by the expression, "cause the mines to be opened." If he means, as the words imply, that the Government should compel owners to allow miners to work in their pits, and should compel miners to go to work, the answer is in the negative. In those cases, however, in which owners are willing to open their pits and men are willing to work, I can only repeat what I have said on previous occosions, that adequate protection has been provided by the local authorities in such cases as have arisen, and will be afforded, with the assistance of the Government if necessary, in such cases as may arise.
EARL of RONALDSHAYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain miners engaged in the Cammell collieries, who voluntarily went to work on Monday last, were prevented yester- 416 day by the Union from continuing at work, and whether he can say if any steps have been or will be taken in that case to enable the miners who desire to work to do so?
§ Mr. McKENNANo information of the sort indicated by the Noble Lord has been brought to my notice. I do not understand whether the Noble Lord means that they were prevented by force, or whether they were only persuaded—quite peaceably persuaded—not to go back by members of the Union.
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no information at all to support the statement of the Noble Lord.
§ Mr. CLAUDE LOWTHERMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can assure the House that if the Minimum Wage Bill is passed the miners will return to their work?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Bill has passed through this House.
§ Mr. REMNANTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether in the case referred to by my Noble Friend he will make inquiry?
§ Mr. McKENNACertainly, but I should think that if the facts are as alleged by the Noble Lord they would already have been brought to my notice. I have heard nothing of them.
§ Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman be very careful in accepting reports from prejudiced quarters?
§ Mr. BOWERMANMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the present is not an opportune time for considering the question of the nationalisation of mines?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat does not arise out of the question. It should be addressed in another quarter.