§ 73. Mr. OLIVERasked the Secretary for Mines what steps have been taken in pursuance of his assurance that in any settlement of the coal dispute the Government would endeavour to see that there was no victimisation on either side?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe Government have taken no such steps. The hon. Member will remember that, after the date of the assurance to which he refers, decisions were taken within the industry resulting in the Government having no part in settling the terms or conditions upon which work is resumed.
§ Mr. OLIVERWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether that in itself would justify the Government taking no steps to stop the victimisation which is taking place?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe hon. Gentleman's question referred to a particular answer which I gave in this House. Since then, as I say, the conditions have entirely altered.
§ Mr. OLIVERWill the right hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister to issue an appeal to the coalowners to stop the victimisation which is taking place in the coal industry and so help to establish some foundation for peace?
Captain ARTHUR EVANSDoes the right hon. Gentleman accept the statement that victimisation is taking place?
Mr. RICHARDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in one colliery in Durham men who were wounded in the great War have been refused work?
§ Major COLFOXWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether, in his opinion, the chief culprits with regard to 2266 victimisation are not the Miners' Federation or the Miners' Union who have victimised consistently those men who have been loyal to their employers?