9. Mr. ERNEST WINTERTONasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the fact that miners are being employed on Sundays in the South Derbyshire coalfield after they have worked for 90 hours under the spread-over during the previous fortnight; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this contravention of the Coal Mines Act, 1930?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Coal Mines Act, 1930, has no bearing on Sunday labour, and I am advised that there has been no breach of that Act.
§ Mr. McSHANEIs my hon. Friend aware that this aspect of the matter is causing very serious discontent in that area, and that the men are making great complaints?
§ Mr. SHINWELLIf my hon. Friend is referring to Sunday labour, I would say that, although it may cause some discontent, it is not within my power to put a stop to it.
§ Mr. TINKERDoes the spread-over include the seven days of the week?
§ Mr. SHINWELLNo, I am afraid not. The proviso which enables the spread-over to be operated applies to the 12 week-days in a fortnight.
Mr. WINTERTONDoes my hon. Friend suggest that Sunday labour is permissible after 90 hours have been worked in a fortnight under the spread-over?
§ Mr. SHINWELLSunday labour in the mines is a matter of arrangement between the parties concerned, and, where it is in operation, I have no power to put an end to it.
§ Mr. TINKERIt is not exclusive of the 90 hours?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am afraid that it is. At all events, I have been legally advised that it is. In any case, however, it is not a subject which is capable of being dealt with by question and answer.