§ 33 and 34. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines (1) if he is aware that in the district ascertainments for coal mines there are differences in the item cost of timber amounting to as much as 1s. per ton of output; and will he inquire into the cause of these variations;
(2) why in the district ascertainments for mines there are differences in the item costs other than wages amounting to as much as 2s. per ton of coal output; and will he inquire into the cause of these variations?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI am aware of the figures to which the hon. Member refers. They are checked by separate accountants on behalf of both the owners and the workmen, and I am satisfied that they accurately represent the varying conditions which are known to exist in the different districts.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are certain figures to which the auditors representing the workers have not access, and in view of the great differences in the cost of timber and other materials, does he not think that the officers representing the mine workers ought to have access to all the figures that the colliery companies have?
§ Colonel LANE FOXYes, Sir; but I have heard myself the accountants acting on behalf of the workmen state to the Coal Commission that they were fully satisfied that they had access to all these figures.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a short time ago in Yorkshire the Miners' Association had to complain that the auditors had not access to these figures, and after having been before the Umpire they have proved conclusively that statistical matter that ought to have been available but was not available is to be available in future? Ought not that to be general?
§ Colonel LANE FOXYes, the Yorkshire miners used their correct remedy and got a reply, but there is no allusion to timber in that case.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these great differences for one material used in collieries make a difference between a paying proposition and a non-paying proposition, and that it is his duty to look into these matters?