HC Deb 17 May 1927 vol 206 cc966-7
25. Mr. BATEY

asked the Secretary for Mines when he proposes to take steps to make effective the Clause in the Mining Industry Act, 1926, that no person shall be employed down a coal mine unless he commenced before reaching 18 years of age?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

I have been asked to reply. We are still in negotiation with the various organisations concerned with a view to arriving at an agreed procedure for dealing with the recruitment of miners.

Mr. BATEY

Are we to understand from the reports which we have that the Government are trying to evade that Section of the Mining Industry Act?

Mr. BETTERTON

No, very far from it. We are attempting to arrive at an agreed arrangement.

Mr. PALING

Is it a fact that it was understood that the Clause should be compulsory, and is it a fact that the Government are running away from that and are making it voluntary whether the mine-owners will accept it or not?

Mr. BETTERTON

No, it is not that at all. The Government are quite determined that the Section shall be carried out. The only question at present under discussion is how best it can be carried out, whether by voluntary arrangement or not.

Mr. BATEY

If the Government fail to come to a voluntary arrangement, are we to understand they will not enforce it?

Mr. BETTERTON

The Government are quite determined that that Section of the Act shall be carried out either by voluntary arrangement or, if that fails, by Regulation.

Mr. PALING

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Section has not been broken up to the present since we restarted work?

Mr. BETTERTON

I think that question is based on a misconstruction of the Section itself. It does not come into operation until Regulations are framed.

Mr. PALING

Is it not a fact that some of the objections which have been taken to that are based on what the coalowners have done and are doing at present?

Mr. BETTERTON

I received a deputation from the Miners' Federation a few days ago, and I am expecting to hear from them any day on the points we discussed, and I hope that as a result an arrangement satisfactory to them and to every one concerned will be arrived at.

Mr. LEE

Is the Mining Association representing all the colliery owners on this question?

Mr. BETTERTON

I do not think it is representing them all but, of course, steps will be taken to ensure that all owners are brought into the Act whether they are affiliated to the Mining Association or not.