HC Deb 22 July 1919 vol 118 cc1159-60
Sir D. MACLEAN

May I ask the Leader of the House if he can give us any further information about the position of the miners' strike?

Mr BONAR LAW

I have very little in formation to give. In Yorkshire there is practically no change. In a few more mines pumping has been stopped, but in a small number it has been resumed. The strike has spread to a slight extent to Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, and Monmouth shire. In Lancashire 7,100 men are out, in Nottinghamshire 20,000, and in Monmouth-shire 11,000.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Will these men be eligible for unemployment pay?

Mr. BONAR LAW

If my hon. Friend had noticed the terms of the Regulation, he would have seen that they were not eligible for out-of-work pay.

Sir HENRY DALZIEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what is the real issue on which the strike has taken place?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is as difficult a question as I have ever had put to me. The information we get to-day is to this effect. Some of them were opposed to the increase of 6s. per ton; some were out because food prices were too high; some because we still have troops in Russia; and some because they wanted the abolition of Conscription.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

When can we hope to have a definite announcement of the policy of the Government with reference to the mines, particularly with a view to clearing up the questions which are agitating the strikers at the present moment?

Mr. BONAR LAW

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman means when can we give a decision with regard to the Sankey Report, I cannot add anything to what I said yesterday.

Mr. KENNEDY JONES

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is some particular person behind this unrest?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As a matter of fact, I do not think so. We have no evidence of it.

Sir J. RANDLES

Has there been any reply to the communication sent to the Miners' Federation?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No; but we have received news that the President of the Miners' Federation is returning to London to-day.

An HON. MEMBER

Are sailors actually at work in the mines?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I believe so, but I have received no definite statement to that effect