§ 29. Mr. G. NICHOLSONasked the Secretary for Mines when he anticipates that he will be able to make a statement on the policy of the Government with regard to hours of work in the mining industry and to Part I of the Coal Mines Act, 1930?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)These questions are engaging the earnest attention of the Government, and a statement will be made as soon as it is possible to do so.
§ Mr. NICHOLSONCan the hon. Gentleman be more explicit about the date?
§ Mr. FOOTThe date cannot possibly be given in view of the fact that negotiations are taking place.
§ Mr. McKEAGWill the hon. Gentleman state between whom are the negotiations taking place, and in view of the desirability of avoiding even the possibility of conflict will he do what is possible to ensure that negotiations between the owners and the men are not left until the very last moment?