§ 62. Mr. SPOORasked the Minister of Labour whether he has any information as to the number of men who have returned from Markham No. 2 Pit, Chesterfield, to Bishop Auckland, alleging that the conditions under which they were engaged were not observed by the management; and whether these men will receive unemployment benefit until such time as work under recognised trade union conditions can be secured by them?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI understand that some 100 men have returned. The question whether they will be entitled to unemployment benefit must be determined by the statutory authorities in the usual way, and this is in course of being done.
§ Mr. SPOORIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that over 100 men out of 120 returned, and having regard to the somewhat peculiar circumstances of the case, will evidence be obtained?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI will see that all proper evidence is obtained. I have heard so many conflicting accounts about it that I cannot give an opinion upon it, but I will try to see that all proper evidence is obtained.