36. Mr. HARPER PARKERasked the Minister of Labour whether he is informed in relation to the disturbances which have been taking place in the South Wales coalfield, whereby much damage has been done and inconvenience caused to different people on account of a dispute between the Miners' Union in those coalfields and the Enginemen and Craftsmen's Union; and, if he has not be so informed, will he make the necessary inquiries with a view to bringing the two unions together in conference, with a view to ending the disturbances and bringing about a peaceful settlement of the matters in dispute?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Lieut.-Colonel Lane-Fox)I have been asked to reply. I am aware that disputes have been occurring in certain parts of the South Wales coalfield between members of the South Wales Miners' Federation and members of the South Wales Mechanical and Surface Workers' Union. I understand that machinery is in existence for the settlement of such disputes through the offices of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress, and I doubt whether Government intervention for this purpose is desirable.