§ 59. Mr. POTTSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will introduce legislation to amend the Coal Mines Act, 1930, Part I, so as to avoid the displacement of workmen at present taking place, in view of the fact that 1,500 workmen at Messrs. Fountain and Burnley's collieries, Dayton, Yorkshire, have as a result been unemployed for weeks?
§ Mr. SHINWELLAs my hon. Friend is aware, the total volume of employment 1176 has not been affected by the regulation of output under the Coal Mines Act, 1930. The allocation by the Central Council is based on the probable total consumption of coal for the quarter and is considered to be fair and equitable having regard to the interests of the industry as a whole. I cannot see my way to introduce the legislation asked for which would undermine the regulation of output which Part I of the Act was designed to effect.
§ Mr. POTTSWill the Secretary for Mines look into the matter and see if it is possible for this authority to give some higher allocation than is being given at the present time?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that the collieries referred to have had a fair allocation according to the allocation of all the other collieries?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI think the hon. Member had better await the reply to another question.
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNIn view of the difference of opinion, is the hon. Member willing to appoint an impartial committee to go into it?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI do not think there is any difference of opinion.
§ Major COLVILLEDoes the Secretary for Mines still adhere to the view expressed in this House that no men have lost their jobs on account of the Act?
§ Mr. SHINWELLWhat I have told the hon. and gallant Member is that there has been no loss of employment as a result of the quota, taking the country as a whole.