§ 46. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement regarding his meeting with the executive of the Miners' Federation?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)The executive met me for the purpose of discussing certain matters which they wished to lay before me for strengthening the machinery of the Coal Mines National Industrial Board. We had a useful discussion and the Mines Department is considering whether the actual proposal which has been sent in this morning does anything to meet the objections which have hitherto made further action impracticable.
§ Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYDid the meeting arrive at any further conclusion on that point?
§ Mr. T. SMITHCan the right hon. Gentleman state when he will be in a position to say something definite with regard to these proposals?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is not for us to say anything definite regarding these proposals here. It is for the Miners' Executive to produce a proposal which is practicable and which will fully bear examination.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether, on the proposals submitted this morning, which are now being considered, the Government will reach a decision between now and the Adjournment for Christmas?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say because I have not seen the proposal yet. I asked for it yesterday, and it was only sent in this morning.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether, within the next seven or eight days, the Mines Department and the right hon. Gentleman will consider the proposals, and will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement before the Adjournment for Christmas?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI really cannot say until the Mines Department have informed me of the nature of the proposals which have been handed in.
§ Mr. GORDON MACDONALDIf I put a question on the Order Paper for a week to-morrow, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give an answer?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf a question is put on the Order Paper, say a 182 week to-morrow, I will give a statement which will make clear the position up to that date.