§ 47. Major KELLEYasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of under-em-ployment and unrest in the coalfields, and the approaching expiration of the agreement between miners and owners, he will consider the inviting of representatives of both sides to a conference?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere is already in existence a Joint National Board representing the owners and the workpeople in the coal mining industry, which will provide a ready means for the two parties to review the present wages agreement if notice is given to determine it, and I hope that it will be unnecessary for the Government to intervene in the matter.
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in several areas where the miners are working all the time available, they have to apply to the guardians to help them to live?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have seen, with concern, references to this state of affairs which have appeared recently in a great many newspapers.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONWill the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the Prime Minister anything that will relieve this state of affairs? Is it not bound to cause unrest?