§ 11. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Minister of Labour the number of collieries where stoppage of work has taken place during the last 12 months owing to industrial disputes; and how many of these stoppages were due to the employers seeking reductions of wages?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe number of disputes reported to the Ministry of Labour as having resulted in stoppages of work at collieries in the 12 months ended 31st May, 1930, was 167; I am unable to state the number of collieries affected by these disputes. Of the 167 stoppages, those which could be definitely classified, on the basis of the available information, as arising out of proposed reductions in wages, numbered 21.