§ 70. Mr. LUNN (for Mr. LEE)asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet had any consultations with associations representing employers and persons employed in the coal-mining industry with a view to the making of Regulations for the purpose of securing that, in the recruitment of persons over the age of 18 for employment, preference shall be given to persons who were in such employment during the period of seven days preceding the 30th April, 1926; and, if not, will he state when he intends to put this section of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, into operation?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)I have been asked to reply. This matter is under active consideration, and my right hon. Friend hopes very shortly to be in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. LUNNIf the question is put down again in a week, will the Minister be able to give an answer?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI cannot say whether it will be possible within a week. If the hon. Gentleman will consult me, I will tell him when we shall be able to give a reply.