§ 47. Mr. LAWSONasked the Prime Minister whether representations have been made to the Government to the effect that the present legal limit on the miners' working day shall be extended to eight hours or modified in any other way; and, if so, whether he will state the Government's policy on this matter?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane-Fox)I have been asked to reply. I understand that the present legal limit on hours of work underground in coal mines is one of the topics of the discussions now proceeding between the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation, but no authorative representations have as yet been made to the Government on the subject.
§ Mr. LAWSONMight I ask the Prime Minister if he can give the House the assurance that there will be no interference with the Mines Seven Hours Act, so as to allay the feeling caused by the suggestion of the owners as to the extension of hours?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe matter has not yet been considered, and I think it would be very inadvisable at this moment to say anything on the matter.
§ Mr. LAWSONI am extremely sorry to have to press the right hon. Gentleman, but may I ask him if he is not aware that the very suggestion on the part of the coal owners has roused a spirit in mining areas which is going to make negotiations on other matters very difficult; and, there- 2007 fore, could he not give a definite statement to the House that the Government will not interfere with the Seven Hours Act?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think very definite statements at this moment might tend to prejudice the very matters we hope to see settled.