HC Deb 23 March 1926 vol 193 cc1018-9
36. Mr. WHITELEY

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the owners of collieries temporarily idle are allowed their colliery rates out of costs other than wages, and for how long a period

The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane Fox)

The hon. Member is doubtless referring to the rules governing district wages ascertainments as agreed between the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation in 1924. That agreement allowed the costs, including a proper proportion of local rates, of a colliery which is temporarily idle to be included in the district ascertainment figures for a period not exceeding three months.

Mr. BATEY

Is it fair that collieries that are idle should be allowed to put the casts on their wages and so tend to decrease the wages in collieries that are working?

Colonel LANE FOX

It is hardly for me to express an opinion on an arrangement arrived at by the parties, and certainly I cannot interfere with it.