§ 7. Mr. PIKEasked the Secretary for Mines the number of pits closed in South Yorkshire on the 20th June owing to the miners' day revival; whether the closing down was compulsory owing to abstention by the miners; and if he will ascertain the number of miners who were compelled, against their wishes, to cease work?
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTThe returns for the week in question are not yet available, and I am doubtful whether, when they are received, they will contain all the information which my hon. Friend desires. I will send him such particulars as are available in the next few days.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this demonstration represents one of the 10 days' holidays agreed upon between the mine workers and the owners; and is he further aware that the whole of the South Yorkshire miners are: working three or four days a week so that one day makes no difference?
§ Mr. FOOTThe hon. Gentleman will understand that in my answer I gave no expression of opinion about the merits of the arrangement.
§ Mr. PIKEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it has been publicly expressed by the Secretary of the Yorkshire Miners' Association that had it not been for certain pits not participating, so far as closing down was concerned, there would have been a much larger number of miners at the demonstration?
§ Mr. LUNNMay I also ask if the hon. Gentleman is aware that this was the finest attended demonstration that has ever been held in Yorkshire by any party, industrial or political?
§ 29. Mr. PIKEasked the Minister of Labour whether claims to unemployment benefit will be paid to the miners who participated in the South Yorkshire miners' revival march; whether the closing of the pits was made compulsory owing to abstention; and if he will state the estimated cost to the Unemployment Insurance Fund?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)The claims for benefit are being considered by the statutory authorities. 1623 Pending their decision on the claims it would be undesirable for me to express any opinion on the second part of the question and it is not possible to deal with the last part of the question.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of miners from the Attercliffe Division attended this demonstration and helped to make it a brilliant success; and is he further aware that the men who were absent from work on the Monday for this demonstration might have been compelled to be absent on the Wednesday or Thursday because there was no work?
§ Mr. HUDSONThat is a matter for the umpire to decide if they seek benefit.
§ Mr. PIKEIs the hon. Member aware that the reason given why so few miners attended the pits that did not close is that had they attended the pits their benefit would have been stopped?