§ 59. Mr. MILLARasked the Secretary for Mines the number of districts in which the spread-over was being worked prior to the passage of the new Coal Mines Bill and the scale of wages now operating in these districts; and if he can now state the result of the wage negotiations which have been proceeding in Scotland?
§ Mr. SHINWELLImmediately prior to the passing of the Coal Mines Act, 1931, "spread-over" arrangements were in operation in North Wales and in Scotland. In North Wales the 7½ hour day is now in operation, with the same minimum percentage addition to basis wage rates as before. In Scotland, negotiations for the fixing of a minimum percentage to operate under the 7½ hour day are still continuing.