§ 25. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Secretary for Mines whether there are any collieries run by other than private enterprise in this country; and, if so, whether he can give the House any particulars as to the financial results of their working?
§ Colonel LANE FOXSo far as I am aware, the only colliery which might answer to this description is Shilbottle Colliery, owned by the Co-operative Wholesale Society, Limited. I have no detailed information in regard to the working results of this colliery, and, in any case, Section 21 of the. Mining Industry Act, 1920, forbids the publication of information in respect of any particular undertaking.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the very interesting account of the working of the Shilbottle Colliery which appeared in the Press is approximately correct?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI have seen that account, and, as far as I know, I believe it to be substantially correct.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONIs it not a fact that the Co-operative Wholesale Society, who are the proprietors of this colliery, did not put up any notice of reductions of wages?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI do not know anything about that.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us what he does know?
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of the Shilbottle Colliery, as against every other undertaking in this country, the men have not had their wages reduced?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a fact that the result of that has been that the financial results of the Shilbottle Colliery have been appalling?
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder, order! Hon. Members are stating their own opinions.
§ Mr. GREENALLWhich are absolutely false.