§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make as to the breakdown of the Minimum Wage Committee in South Wales; and whether Lord St. Aldwyn acted in the committee as a chairman with a casting vote or as an arbitrator making an award?
§ Viscount WOLMERalso asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the breakdown of the Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act as a remedy for industrial disputes, as shown in the case of the recent South Wales District Conciliation Board award, and the dissatisfaction caused thereby; and whether he has any proposals whatever to meet the new situation which has arisen?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no statement to make with reference to the matter; but from the information which has reached me it does not appear that the hon. Members are correct in assuming that there has been a breakdown of the Joint District Board under the Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act for the district of South Wales. As regards the last part of the question, under the rules agreed on and promulgated by the South Wales Joint District Board, "if the parties on the Board cannot agree on any matters in dispute, then the matter shall be decided by the casting vote of the chairman."
§ Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUARTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the complaints of the men in this case are not against the committee or against Lord St. Aldwyn, but against the Act itself?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir; I am not aware.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEMay I ask whether Lord St. Aldwyn, before giving his decision, consulted either the Prime Minister or the Board of Trade as to the interpretation of the particular Clause of the Act under which the award was given?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir; there is not the slightest shadow of foundation for that statement.