11. Mrs. WARDasked the Secretary for Mines if an agreement has yet been reached between the mine-owners and the miners on the question of wages; and, if not, is he taking any steps to bring the two parties together?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThere is no national agreement as regards wages in the coal-mining industry, but as the hon. Member is aware, the coal-owners in each district have undertaken to maintain the existing minimum percentages and subsistence wages until July next. As regards the 169 second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Lady to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) on 25th October.
§ Mr. BROWNI shall have the advantage of meeting the representatives of the Miners' Federation to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it the intention of the hon. Member to meet the mine-owners for the purpose of extending the voluntary agreement which they entered into when the Coal Mines Act was passed this year?
§ Mr. MAXTONHas the attention of the Minister been called to the valuable work done by the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in connection with the wages of people on the railways, and will he get the assistance of his colleague for the mines also?
§ Mr. BROWNI have no doubt whatever that if I desired the assistance of the right hon. Gentleman it would he among the most valuable assistance that I could get.