§ 39. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been drawn to the recent ascertainment of the position as to profits and wages in the Durham coalfield, and to the fact that it reveals that wages which would be 20 per cent. below minimum rates could be paid from the funds remaining after meeting all other expenditure; and, viewing the fact that the workmen have made great sacrifices as to both hours and wages, will he take action in re-organisation of the industry to reduce the cost of 1836 production and give some hope to the workmen of better conditions than now exist?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe hon. Member does not specify what action he has in mind, and I do not understand in what manner he thinks it is within the power of the Government to achieve the result indicated. It can only be done by the industry itself, if it can be done at all; and the fact that the ascertainment shows an economic wage lower than the minimum and therefore involves a loss to the owners obviously provides the best possible incentive to those engaged in it to do everything in their power to that end.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONMay I ask what organisation the right hon. Gentleman proposes to set up for the purpose of increasing the amount which comes to the workmen?
§ Colonel LANE FOXMy answer quite meets that point. The Government cannot do anything. It is for those who are chiefly interested in the industry to carry out these improvements.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIs it not a fact that the Samuel Commission laid the utmost stress on the need for re-organisation; that there is very little going on; and why do not the Government expedite it by legislation?
Lieut.-Colonel JAM ESIs it not the fact that the cost of production in Durham is largely affected by the large increase in local rates due to the action of the Chester-le-Street Guardians?