§ Mr. GRUNDY(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether a letter has been received by the Coal Controller from the South Yorkshire Coal Trade Association and the Yorkshire Miners' Association, asking that a joint meeting should be fixed up immediately to discuss the cause of the deadlock in the Yorkshire area, and what steps have been taken in the matter?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the steps now to be taken are being considered.
§ Mr. LUNNSeeing that the meeting is to take place to-morrow, and that the industry is at a standstill in Yorkshire, will the right hon. Gentleman consider it of sufficient importance to send the President of the Board of Trade to such meeting, to try to bring about a settlement?
§ Sir R. HORNEWe shall take the most appropriate steps in the circumstances. The House may rely on that.
§ Mr. GRUNDYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the urgency of the question, and that there is a probability of a resumption of work if this meeting be arranged? Surely owing to that urgency a meeting should be fixed up somehow for to-morrow.
§ Sir R. HORNEWe are well aware of the urgency of this question, and are anxious to get a settlement as rapidly as possible. The House may rely upon it that no opportunity towards that end will be lost.
§ Mr. GRUNDYThere will be time lost if the meeting be not arranged for tomorrow.
§ Sir R. HORNEThe hon. Member is jumping to conclusions.