§ 39. Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAMasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware of the breathes of the Seven-and-a-half Hours Act in many of the collieries in Lanarkshire; and in view of the attitude of the management of the Cardowan Colliery, where the men have been informed that they must remain in their working places for whatever time is required to clean them up, no matter the length of time involved, what action he proposes to take to enforce the provisions of the Act?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe answer to the first part of the question is, No: but if 1292 the hon. Member has any specific cases in mind, I will, of course, have them investigated. With regard to the second part, it is, I am afraid, quite impossible for me to give an answer at such short notice. I am having inquiry made, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member as soon as I can.
§ Mr. GRAHAMIn view of the complaints that are made on this question, not merely in one country, but in all the mining areas, would it not be advisable to set up some committee to inquire into the facts?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member will be aware, as the House is aware, that I have already taken that matter in hand, and we are having a preliminary survey of the county of Lancashire on that very point.
§ Mr. GRAHAMDoes the hon. Member propose to do the same with the county of Lanark?
§ Mr. BROWNI shall await the results of this inquiry to decide how far such an inquiry might usefully go.