§ 46. Mr. TINKERasked the Prime Minister if he has considered the position of the mining industry in regard to the termination of the present agreement between the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation; and, if so, will he indicate what he proposes to do?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI have been asked to reply. The position is that the present wages agreement continues indefinitely unless, on or after the 1st July, a month's notice is given by either side to end it. I am aware that the question of giving notice is being actively canvassed, but I am not going to assume at present either that notice will be given, or that, if it is given, it will be beyond the power of the coalowners and miners to negotiate a new agreement in the ordinary way.
§ Mr. TINKERIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this question on the Adjournment Motion on Thursday.