46. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister to what Government Department will be entrusted the setting-up of the pro- 1176 posed National Wages Board in the coalmining industry; is it proposed to allow the householder to have any representation on a Board which will determine for him what price he shall pay for his coal; and, if so, will he consult those bodies who can claim to represent the ordinary householder?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Bridgeman)I have been asked to reply. The terms of settlement of the miners' strike provided, amongst other things, that the Mining Association and the Miners' Fderation should proceed forthwith to prepare a scheme for submission to the Government at the earliest possible moment and not later than the 31st March for the regulation of wages in the industry. It is obviously impossible for me to anticipate the result of this conference. The adoption of any scheme that may be proposed will be subject to the sanction of the Government, through the Mines Department.