§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have given any consideration to the increasingly serious position of the coal-mining industry; and whether, in view of the gravity of the problem and of the situation which would arise in the event of a dispute in this industry, he can state what action is contemplated by the Government.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am, of course, aware that discussions are now going on between representatives of the colliery owners and miners that may have important, and perhaps serious, consequences. But it is essential, in my opinion, that every opportunity should 1304 be given to those engaged in an industry to settle these matters for themselves, if they can, and that the Government should only intervene in the last resort. This point, I am glad to say, has not yet been reached, and may not be reached, and it would be premature for me to make any statement on the subject.
§ Mr. BATEYIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that apart altogether from the wages question, which is one thing, the depression in the coal trade is a serious depression and that pits are being closed; and has he nothing to do in regard to that aspect of the case?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that arises out of the question. I admit the seriousness of it, but if there should be a happy event to the discussions which are taking place the situation might be ameliorated.
§ Mr. LUNNYou, Mr. Speaker, rather stopped me from asking a question of the Secretary of Mines a few moments ago and I would like now to ask the Prime Minister whether the Government have any policy whatever to deal with the growing seriousness of unemployment in the mining industry.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to that question is really the answer which I have given to the hon. Member who asked the previous supplementary question. If we are fortunate enough to find that the trade itself can so adjust its circumstances and conditions, that it may be able to compete in the world's markets, the question solves itself. If they should be unable to do that, I quite admit that a position of seriousness and difficulty arises.
§ Mr. MacDONALDMay I ask, relating to the answer given to my own question, whether it is the policy of the Government to wait until a deadlock arises before bringing its influence to bear on both sides?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not believe that interference by a Government, unless it is desired by both sides and can be of use, is ever of any real or permanent help in settling questions of this kind. I think at this moment premature interference would do a great deal more harm than good.
§ Mr. GREENALLSeeing that the Prime Minister has in this House given advice in connection with peace, does be not think it wise and necessary to do something now with a view to having that spirit prevailing among the parties concerned in this matter?
§ Mr. SPENCERDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think the time has arrived when this House should deal with the mines on the same lines as it dealt with the railways not long ago?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have yet to be convinced that this House is the best medium for interfering.
§ Mr. J. JONESWhat are you here for then?
Mr. HUDSONHas the right hon. Gentleman considered that when dealing with two sides in a dispute, it is usually the case that a third side comes into question and that is the side of the whole community; and is he prepared to consider that aspect of the case and to indicate what steps should be taken?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not prepared, at this moment, to admit that there is a dispute. As I see it, both parties who are interested in the question, the employers and the men, are endeavouring to see if they can find a solution of the difficulties which are common to both of them.
Mr. RICHARDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the owners have already intimated to the Press that they are giving notice for the determination of the agreement this week?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no knowledge of what they propose.
§ Mr. VARLEYMay we assume that in using the words "may not be reached" the Prime Minister based them upon information which is not available to all of us. In his original reply the right hon. Gentleman said that a crisis might not be reached. Is that statement based upon private information?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, it is the expression of what I consider at the moment to be a legitimate hope.