HC Deb 18 July 1933 vol 280 cc1669-70
33. Mr. GORDON MACDONALD

asked the Secretary for Mines what action he proposes to take on the case of overtime being worked on 17th May, 1933, at the Mains Colliery, Banfurlong, near Wigan?

Mr. E. BROWN

I have given very careful consideration to this case, but in all the circumstances I am satisfied that it is not one in which legal proceedings are called for.

Mr. MACDONALD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that refusal to take action in this case of overtime may result in a still further increase of overtime in Lancashire?

Mr. BROWN

I could not discuss the details by way of question and answer, but I shall be very pleased to talk it over with the hon. Member.

Number of Wage-Earners on Colliery Books, 1924 to 1932.
Counties. 1924.* 1925. 1926.† 1927. 1928. 1929. 1930. 1931. 1932.
Edinburgh … … 11,850 11,013 10,942 10,002 9,779 9,977 10,432 10,062 9,749
Haddington … … 3,920 4,023 4,328 3,522 2,279 3,187 3,128 2,543 2,739
Fife … … 29,636 26,083 26,613 22,281 20,416 22,015 21,796 19,752 18,650
Clackmannan … … 1,508 1,160 1,495 1,137 917 1,115 1,034 883 803
Dumbarton … … 2,223 2,141 2,295 2,115 2,046 2,071 1,974 1,836 1,777
Lanark … … 56,252 45,736 49,315 29,707 32,850 33,409 32,838 29,556 24,251
Linlithgow … … 6,906 6,486 7,012 5,819 5,154 5,314 5,281 5,209 5,303
Stirling … … 11,526 9,037 8,902 7,809 6,452 6,762 6,856 6,070 6,267
*These figures relate to the year as a whole.
Particulars for June are not available.
† March figures—June figures are not available.
Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Was the decision taken on the point of weakness in law, and, if so, does not the hon. Gentleman think, in view of the many flagrant violations of the law, as it is understood, that some amendment of the Mines Act is called for?

Mr. BROWN

There are a number of considerations.

Mr. TINKER

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that, the mincowners are treating the Seven Hours Act with impunity and that the action of the Department is helping them in that direction?

Mr. BROWN

I cannot accept the last part of the question. I have given the most careful consideration to this, and my decision is made in view of all the facts of the case.

Mr. MACDONALD

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.