§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have set up, or 2367 propose to set up, special machinery for consideration of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the coal industry?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir. Committees have been appointed by His Majesty's Government to examine in detail certain of the major recommendations contained in the Royal Commission's Report. I may add that it has been decided, for the time being, to entrust the Minister of Labour with the general oversight of such matters affecting the coal industry as may require, in one form or another, the intervention of His Majesty's Government. The primary responsibility will, of course, remain with the Secretary for Mines.
§ Mr. MacDONALDArising out of the wording of that answer, may I ask whether the recommendations referred to are those affecting the Government, or those affecting the employers and workmen?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think, speaking from memory, that they are the recommendations which have been embodied in the reply which we gave after the meeting of the Miners' Federation.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI was not quite clear whether the right hon. Gentleman said a Committee or Committees have been set up. Will they start at once, and continue sitting, or will they wait until after the Easter holiday?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThey have already begun sitting, and are sitting.