HC Deb 29 November 1932 vol 272 cc632-3
27. Mrs. WARD

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has any information regarding his meeting with the Miners' Federation?

Mr. E. BROWN

T have now received a reply from the Mining Association to the letter which I recently addressed to them on the subject of machinery for discussions on a national basis of questions affecting the coal mining industry. The reply is as follows: While, for the reasons which have been explained in the course of the exhaustive discussions which have taken place with representatives of the Government in the recent past it is not possible for the Mining Association to deal with questions of wages or other conditions of service, the Committee agree that there are a number of matters falling within the purview of the Mining Association which might suitably form the subject of discussion between representatives of the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation. It is accordingly proposed to invite representatives of the Miners' Federation to meet representatives of the Mining Association to consider jointly what matters might form the subject of conversations between the two bodies.

Mrs. WARD

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any information as to when the meeting is likely to take plate?

Mr. BROWN

I understand that a communication has been addressed by the Mining Association to the Miners' Federation and is now under consideration by them.

Mr. PIKE

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the interests of those miners and coalowners who are not represented either by the Miners' Association or the Coalowners' Association?

Mr. BROWN

All these points will be borne in mind, but the hon. Member will understand that a meeting on this basis will be a long step forward.

Mr. LAWSON

What steps are being taken by the Minister in this matter?

Mr. BROWN

I think if my hon. Friend reflects on the course of events in the last five weeks he will see that the initiative came from the Minister.

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