§ Mr. E. EDWARDS(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make any statement concerning the constitution of the Coal Mines National Industrial Board?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)I had hoped to be able, in reply to this question, to give the House the names of the members of the Board, but the filling of one or two places cannot be definitely settled until later in the day. The House will appreciate that the Board must be appointed this week-end. I shall now be obliged to announce them through the Press. I regret this as I would have preferred to have announced the constitution of the Board first to the House of Commons. The address of the Board will be 5, old Palace Yard, S.W.[...].
§ Mr. EDWARDSAre there any colliery owners on the Board; and in view of the seriousness of the situation will the Government consider steps to have the industry carried on, from December 1st without a stoppage.
§ Mr. SHINWELLAs regards the first part of the supplementary question, there will be coalowners on the Board, but I must ask my hon. Friend to await the announcement which I shall make this afternoon. As regards the second 812 part of the supplementary question I am afraid that we must allow the Board to deal with any dispute that comes before it in the ordinary way, before coming to any other conclusion.
§ Mr. TINKERDoes the hon. Gentleman intend to announce the names before the House rises to-day?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThat is my intention, but there may be some difficulty. It depends on the time when the House rises, and I am unable to say anything as to that; but there will be an announcement by about Four o'Clock.