§ Mr. POTTS(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he is aware that large numbers of workmen at Messrs. Fountain and Burnley Collieries situated in the Darton area, Yorkshire, are idle arising upon quota allocation allotment fixture under the South Yorkshire District Scheme provided for under the Coal Mines Act, 1930; and
(2) whether the firm have appealed to the umpire; and if so, date of appeal and possible date of hearing?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)I have seen statements in the Press that men have been discharged and others placed on part-time and allegations that this action is due to the operation of the quota. It is not possible to argue this within the limits of an answer to a question especially as I have received only a few minutes' notice that the question would be asked. In reply to the second part the owners of the pits have a right of appeal to the responsible committee, and from them to arbitration if necessary. I am informed that these rights have not yet been exercised probably because the owners were awaiting the result of a case in the High Court in which judgment was given last Friday.