HC Deb 08 December 1932 vol 272 cc1789-90
60. Mr. MARTIN

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the House any information concerning the proposed meeting between the coalowners' representatives and the Miners' Federation?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on the 29th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock (Mrs. Ward) of which I am sending him a copy. I have seen in the public Press that a meeting has been arranged, and this will, I think, be a source of satisfaction to us all.

Mr. MARTIN

Can the hon. Member tell us the subjects of discussion?

Mr. BROWN

Not at the moment.

Mr. BATEY

Is the hon. Member aware that the coalowners have deliber- ately barred the question of wages, and can he say whether the Government have any policy in regard to wages?

Mr. BROWN

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I mentioned, which contains the whole of the details.

Mr. BATEY

Is the hon. Member aware that the previous answer said nothing about wages? Will he tell us whether the Government have come to any decision upon the wages question?

Mr. BROWN

That does not arise out of this particular question.