HC Deb 11 December 1929 vol 233 cc462-3
77. Mr. COCKS

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he gave his sanction for an official of his Department to inform, the Notts and District Industrial and Non-Political Union that only this union could be recognised in Nottinghamshire?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ben Turner)

No such statement has been made by any official of my Department. The attitude of my Department towards questions of this kind has always been, and still is, one of complete impartiality. It is not for my Department to decide such questions. They accept the facts as they find them. On any occasion on which they have had to communicate with workmen's representatives on a matter affecting the Nottingham district generally, they have communicated with both the Industrial Union and with the Nottinghamshire Miners' Association.

Mr. COCKS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of the Union mentioned in the question publicly stated that he had had recognition given to him by the Department?

Mr. TURNER

I have seen the paragraph alluded to, but I am not responsible for it.

Mr. COCKS

I may take it that the statement is entirely untrue?

Mr. TURNER

I have just said so.

Mr. BATEY

Are we to understand that the Mines Department is recognising a non-political union?

Mr. TURNER

The hon. Member must understand that the answer I have given is the proper answer.