§ 31. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that since the increase of hours and the decrease of wages of miners took place the mines in the various areas are in a worse position than prior to the changes; and what measures, if any, he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs, particularly with regard to unemployment?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI have nothing to add at the moment to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 23rd June, except to say that the present unemployment in the industry can hardly be attributed to the reduction in costs brought about by the changes to which he refers.
Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGANWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the latter part of the question as to what steps he proposes to take with a view to recruitment and to remedying this state of affairs?
§ Colonel LANE FOXIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will refer to my answer he will see that considerable steps are being taken, and that the whole matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSONIs the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. Richardson) aware that the first part of his question involves a statement which is utterly incorrect, because it suggests that the present conditions of affairs is worse than it was before the stoppage?
§ Mr. BATEYIs the Secretary for Mines aware that in various districts the position is worse than it was before the introduction of the Eight Hours Act?
§ Mr. HOPKINSONAre hon. Members aware that there has been a reduction in losses of over 50 per cent.?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think these speeches should come later on. Hon. Members will have a chance later on of contributing their views.