34. Mrs. WARDasked the Secretary for Mines, arising out of his meeting with the Miners' Federation, if he has any statement to make?
41. Miss WARDasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received any official reply from the coalowners to his invitation to discuss nationally the question of wages?
§ Mr. E. BROWNAs has Already been announced on more than one occasion, the Government would welcome the establishment of some form of machinery for the joint discussion on a national basis of questions affecting the coal mining industry, not excluding questions relating to wages and conditions of employment. I discussed the matter last week with representatives of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, and I have since addressed a letter to the Mining Association, whose reply I am awaiting.
§ Mr. BROWNPerhaps the hon. Lady will put that question down in the new Session and consult me as to the date.
§ Mr. PIKEWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind, before coming to a decision, that there is a large number of 929 miners and mineowners on whose behalf neither the Miners' Federation nor the Mining Association can speak?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHave the Miners' Federation expressed themselves favourable to the National Wages Board?
§ 42. Mr. PIKEasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will declare immeddiately the Government's attitude towards the respective claims of the Mine Owners' Association and the Miners' Federation of Great Britain upon the wages agreement to be concluded before July, 1933?
§ Mr. BROWNI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have already given to the hon. Members for Cannock (Mrs. Ward) and Wallsend (Miss Ward), but I would like to point out that, when the guarantees given by the coalowners expire in July next, the district agreements already in force will again become effective.