§ 25. Mr. MARTINasked the Secretary for Mines what proposals, if any, were submitted to him as a result of the recent meeting of the Central Council of Coal-owners?
26. Miss WARDasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has anything to report as a result of the meeting of the Central Council of the Coalowners' Association; and whether he has received any recommendations as to possible amendments to the Coal Mines Act?
§ Mr. E. BROWNNo proposals have yet been submitted to me by the Central Council, but I understand that at the meeting on 17th November it was agreed to make representations to the effect that powers should be conferred on the council, subject to arbitration, to coordinate minimum prices as between districts, on the application of a district or districts concerned.
§ Mr. MARTINIs the Central Council able to make any definite statement as to the possibility of continuing Part I of the Act of 1930?
§ Mr. BROWNMy hon. Friend will realise that there are very grave implications involved in this discussion, and, until they reach a decision on this matter, they will not be able to do what my hon. Friend suggests.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONCan my hon. Friend give any indication of the date when he expects a final reply from the Mining Association?
§ Mr. MARTINHave the Miners' Federation issued any data to the Department on this particular subject?
§ Mr. BROWNI have received a very able pamphlet on the subject, and my hon. Friend will realise that it is a matter for those who are charged by law with the operation of the law.