§ 45. Mr. BATEYasked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to state the policy of the Government regarding legislation dealing with the hours and wages of the coal industry?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I have been asked to reply. I regret that I am not in a position to make any statement at present.
§ Mr. BATEYIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that the Prime Minister promised on the 3rd May that a statement would be made before the House adjourned for the Whitsuntide Recess? Will he tell us what is preventing that statement being made?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid that, in arriving at an agreement in the coal trade, our hopes have been deferred not for the first time, and, until we are able to make a definite statement, I can give no other answer than that already given.
§ Mr. BATEYIf the Mining Association and the miners fail to agree, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is the Government's policy?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat is a hypothetical question. I do not want to take the view that the miners and the coal-owners will fail finally to agree.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONWill the right hon. Gentleman say what is the latest possible date on which the necessary legislation could be introduced?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I cannot give the date on which legislation will be introduced, but, as the House knows, by the 8th July certain results will follow from the previous Acts, and it is in anticipation of that that we shall have to take action.
§ Captain McEWENAre we to understand from what the right hon. Gentleman has said that conversations are still in progress?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt is difficult to say whether they are still in progress, but I do not abandon the hope that some agreement will be reached.