§ 34. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement on the threatened stoppage in the coal industry; and what steps are being taken to prevent an industrial dispute in the coal mines?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on Wednesday last to the hon. Members for Broxtowe and Moseley.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay we assume that the Government are taking action in the matter before the dispute develops?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the Government is closely watching events.
§ Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ The reply is as follows:
§ The strength in battleships and battle cruisers is governed by the terms of the Washington Treaty, Chapter 2, Part I. The figures asked for are as follows:
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre the Government doing anything?
§ Mr. G. SPENCERDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that there is room for independent investigation of all the relevant facts, without waiting for a stoppage?
§ Mr. BATEYDoes the hon. Gentleman not think it wise to wait and let the miners try to manage this business?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am entirely in agreement with the last supplementary question, and I think that it is an effective reply to the supplementary question put by the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. G. Spencer). It would be desirable, in view of the joint meeting which is to be held to-morrow, not to make any announcement on the subject now.
§ Mr. SPENCERIs my hon. Friend aware that there is the greatest divergence of opinion with regard to the facts of the case, and that inquiry will be required to arrive at the facts, so that the general public can form an accurate opinion?