LEGISLATION. (Hansard, 3 May 1932)

1. Miss WARD
asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is the intention of the Government, in connection with the forthcoming Bill on the hours in coal mines, to introduce any amendments to Part I of the Coal Mines Act?

§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)
I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

§ Mr. McKEAG
Is the Minister aware that the operation of Part I of the Coal Mines Act in certain cases is stultifying the export trade?

§ Mr. FOOT
All those considerations are being weighed at the present time.

§ Mr. T. WILLIAMS
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on 15th January this year there were millions of tons of coal that could not be sold anywhere?

§ Mr. FOOT
I believe that that is so.

§ Captain PETER MACDONALD
Has any progress been made in the negotiations between the mineowners and the Miners Federation of Great Britain?

§ Mr. FOOT
They are taking place to-day.

§ Captain MACDONALD
What progress has been made?

§ Mr. FOOT
That will be reported as soon as a conclusion has been arrived at.

§ 34. Mr. BUCHANAN
asked the Prime Minister when legislation will be introduced to deal with the position in the mining industry?

§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)
I hope that it will be possible to make a statement before the House rises for the Whitsuntide Recess.