§ 30. Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the Secretary for Mines what is the average number of hours worked underground by coal miners in this country during the latest week for which figures are available; and what is the average number of hours worked underground by coal miners in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Czechoslovakia and Upper Silesia, respectively?
§ Colonel LANE FOXIn reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Blaydon on the 15th March. In reply to the second part, I would refer him to page 170 of the Royal Commission's Report.
§ Mr. PALINGCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any European Governments have declared their intention of requiring the coal miners to work longer hours underground?
§ Colonel LANE FOXNo, Sir. European countries do not come under my Department.
§ Mr. PALINGAre the mineowners not using the argument in Poland that Great Britain has compelled the miners to work longer hours?