§ 36. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Secretary for Mines, whether he can state the estimated increase in the cost of coal production which might result from a 1894 return to the seven hours day, taking as a basis the period of 12 months ending on 30th September this year; and how many additional miners would be employed as a result of such reduction in the hours of labour?
§ Commodore KINGThe best estimate that I can make of the increase in the cost of coal production which would result, from a return to a seven hours day is, in round figures, two shillings per ton. In reply to the second part of the question, I believe that such an increase in the cost of production would lead to a reduction in employment.