§ 45. Mr. GORDON MACDONALDasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the proposals forwarded to him by the Miners' Federation executive committee?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe proposals related to national wage machinery. They have been examined but do not offer any new method for overcoming the difficulties which have hitherto lain in the way of the introduction of such machinery. I have, however, suggested that the federation may care 1293 to appoint a sub-committee to meet the Under-Secretary for Mines and officers of the Department, who would then go through the proposals in detail with the sub-committee.
Mr. MAlCDONALDDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Miners' Federation are very anxious that there should be a joint meeting along with the coalowners, and will he extend an invitation to the coalowners and exercise his good offices to get them to attend?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am perfectly willing to consider that, but my hon. Friend knows that there is the crux of the whole issue.
§ Mr. TINKERDid the proposals submitted by the miners' executive meet with the right hon. Gentleman's approval, and will he then call in the coalowners?
§ Mr. PIKEWill the right hon. Gentleman also say if the deputation that he met submitted any new reasons why the coalowners should be compelled to submit to their suggestions?
§ Mr. T. SMITHHave the Government any proposals of their own on this matter?