§ 27. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the decision of the miners at Blaenavon, who have decided to adopt the scheme of sharing the work although it involves financial sacrifice on the part of the miners in that locality who are and have been employed for some time; whether he proposes to take any action to encourage industries in other parts of the country to follow the example of the Blaenavon miners and adopt the scheme, which is intended to help those who have been unemployed to retain their craft ability and prevent the results of continued unemployment?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI am aware of the Blaenavon scheme, and certain similar arrangements in other parts of the country. I shall watch the progress of these arrangements very carefully, but since their adoption is a matter entirely 1320 for the employers and workers concerned I do not think there is any further action which I can properly take.
§ Mr. CROOKECould the Minister suggest how best the example of this act of financial sacrifice on the part of these miners for their less fortunate comrades can be brought to the notice of others who are in regular employment?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI think that possibly the reports of the hon. Member's question and the answer to it, will go some way towards producing the result that he desires.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes the arrangement between the miners and the mineowners involve the payment of unemployment benefit to the men in their off-periods?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONYes, it does.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes not this matter concern the Minister more than the mineowners or the miners? Is the Ministry of Labour not directly concerned in this arrangement?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo, I think it would be very much better if arrangements were made by employers and the employed without interference by the Minister.
§ Mr. LAWSONIn view of the contribution which these men have made voluntarily towards dealing with the unemployment problem, could the Government not respond and make their contribution by reducing hours and adopting the International Convention?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI am very anxious not to do anything in that direction which might have an effect precisely opposite that which the hon. Gentleman intends.
§ Mr. THORNEIs it a fact that in consequence of this method adopted at Blaenavon there has been a reduction in the consuming part of all the men concerned?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI should not like to answer that question without further consideration.
§ Mr. DICKIEWill the right hon. Gentleman indicate to the Government that a very much better method than this would be to remove the restrictions on the export trade?