§ 14. Mr. T. A. LEWISasked the Secretary for Mines the result of his negotiations with the mine owners in regard to Part II of the Mining Industry Act; and at what date is this part of the Act to become operative?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI regret to have to state that the council of the Mining Association have recently passed a resolution by a large majority to the effect that they are unwilling to co-operate in working Part II of the Mining Industry Act. I have expressed my views to them, both orally and by letter, but so far have been unsuccessful in convincing them that it is in the interests of themselves and of the industry as a whole that they should reconsider this decision, and they represent that it is now my duty to report to Parliament under Section 17 that this Part of the Act has been rendered abortive. I cannot accept the view that this declaration of intention renders the provisions of Part II "abortive" in the sense contemplated by Section 17. Those provisions can be neither operative nor abortive until the necessary Regulations 14 have been made to enable effect to be given to them. The conditions of the industry since the passing of the Act have, until recently, made it impossible to frame these Regulations, but they are now in draft, and I propose to issue them at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. LEWISWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of publishing the correspondence?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes. I should be very glad to publish it if it is the wish of the House that it should be published. I will consult my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade as to the best way of publishing it.