§ 47. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that 2,500 men employed at six collieries in Glamorganshire have received 14 days' notice to terminate their agreements; and will he ascertain from the firm concerned whether any steps can be taken to avert these discharges?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane Fox)I have seen a statement to this effect in the Press, but I understand on inquiry from the company concerned that they still hope, if the state of trade permits, to continue working on day-to-day contracts after the notices have expired.
§ Mr. MORRISONIn view of the fact that these six collieries belong to Baldwin's, Limited, cannot the hon. Member ask the Prime Minister whether he can use his influence—
§ Mr. E. BROWNHas this anything to do with the French embargo?
§ Colonel LANE FOXYes, Sir. It is attributed partly to the French embargo and partly to the depression in the iron and steel trade.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that men are getting notices like these throughout the length and breadth of the land, including the best districts such as South Yorkshire?
§ Colonel LANE FOXNot for the same reason.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWill the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the proprietors of these collieries trying to work on the one-shift system, instead of two shifts, which we find in some parts of the country is the best way of keeping the men together?
§ Colonel LANE FOXHon. Members can rely upon the Government doing the best they can at the moment.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the Government's "best" likely to be no better than it was last year?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not a fact that a great many new coal sources were opened up on the Continent last year on account of the coal strike which have not yet been shut down and that that is responsible for a good deal of the trouble?