HC Deb 05 March 1929 vol 226 c195
35. Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is taking any steps to afford any protection to miners when colliery companies refuse to pay the recognised minimum wage?

Commodore KING

Means already exist whereby the terms of a contract of employment can be enforced, and I have no reason to believe that these are not adequate.

Mr. SMITH

When an employer says he is not prepared to pay the recognised rate any longer and the men must either accept lower rates or be dismissed, cannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman do anything in the matter?

Commodore KING

The hon. Member will realise that there is machinery under which wages can be reviewed by local wages boards, and the local wages board will say whether or not the wages are proper.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that in a large number of collieries in nearly every coal-producing county men are threatened with dismissal and victimisation if they insist on the recognised rate of wages?

Commodore KING

No, I am not aware of that fact.

Mr. WILLIAMS

If instances are brought to the notice of the hon. and gallant Gentleman, will he take steps to deal with them?

Commodore KING

The hon. Member does not understand the position. It is not for me to take steps. If there is any breach of the law or any breach of contract, it is for the workers themselves to take action.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Have not the hon. and gallant Gentleman and the Government some duties and obligations towards 1,000,000 men?

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