58. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the 2,700 miners who were employed in the Bedwas Colliery, Monmouthshire, who ceased work on the 18th November, 1930, have declined to return to work on the same terms, customs and conditions as prevail in neighbouring collieries working similar seams; that the men when applying for unemployment benefit were refused by the local representative of the unemployment insurance authorities; that the matter was then referred to a referee in London who granted the unemployment benefit; that several meetings with the men have since taken place at which matters have been agreed, and that subsequently the men have refused to return to work; if he can state what is the present position; and, seeing that all terms have been offered to the miners such as operate in similar collieries, what further action he now intends to take?
§ Mr. GILLETTI am informed that further discussions took place last week between the parties and that, on their joint invitation, a representative of the Mines Department continued to attend in a mediatory capacity. While many outstanding matters have been settled there are still certain points on which agreement has not been reached, but I understand that there is reason to hope that 1742 joint discussions will again be resumed shortlry.
Sir F. HALLIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that this is only a repetition of what has transpired ever since the beginning of December; will he take steps to expedite this matter, and see that these men get back to their work instead of drawing unemployment benefit?
§ Mr. GILLETTI understand that negotiations are going to be resumed shortly.
§ Mr. LAWTHERIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that a referee generally and usually only makes an award in relation to unemployment benefit when the terms are not similar, but worse, than are operating generally in the district?