HC Deb 26 April 1934 vol 288 cc1884-5
77. Mr. D. GRAHAM

asked the Secretary for Mines if the inquiry into the working of overtime in Lancashire is Hearing completion; can he state the nature of the reports he has received; and whether the inquiry is to be proceeded with in any, or all, of the other mining districts?

Mr. E. BROWN

The answer to the first part of the question is Yes. With regard to the second and third parts, I am afraid that I cannot make any statement on the subject until I have had an opportunity of considering the whole of the reports.

Mr. GRAHAM

Does that mean that the inspectors in Lancashire, when they have finished their work there, have to await consideration of their report before any further action is taken by the Department?

Mr. BROWN

I expect their inquiries will be finished between a fortnight and three weeks hence.

Mr. GRAHAM

But what will happen after that?

Mr. BROWN

When I get the reports I shall consider them, and I shall be glad then to answer any question put to me upon them.

Mr. GRAHAM

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that from every colliery district in Britain complaints of the same kind as have been inquired into in Lancashire have been received by the Department? In these circumstances is the Department prepared to proceed further in the matter?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member and the House know quite well that it is for that reason that we are making this investigation, but we want to see just how far throughout this coalfield the impression that has been given by questions and answers and the cases raised is really justifiable, and whether or not, arising out of the facts, a wider investigation would be justified.