7. Colonel BROWNasked the Secretary for Mines if he can make any statement with regard to the stoppage of work at the East Bristol collieries?
§ Mr. SHINWELLTowards the end of January my Department was warned of the possibility of a stoppage of work at the Kingswood and Parkfield Collieries, belonging to the East Bristol Collieries, Limited, due to the inability of the parties to agree to terms and conditions of employment. At the invitation both of the owners and of the workmen, a representative of my Department attended a series of conferences in the district, and as a result of these conferences both sides agreed to submit the points at issue to arbitration. The Court of Arbitration made its award last week, but the workmen declined to abide by it, and have ceased work. I understand that the owners have since made an offer of alternative terms, but that this also has been refused.
Colonel BROWNCan the hon. Gentleman take any steps whatsoever to see that the principle of arbitration is complied with?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI have no responsibility in that matter.