§ 16. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the report of the special inquiry into the working of overtime in coal mines in Lancashire (Cmd. 4626) does not meet with the approval of the mine workers of Lancashire; and will he say if time will be given for a discussion upon it?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)I have seen the report in the Press to this effect, but I have no other information. With regard to the second part of the question, an opportunity for such discussion would occur if the Mines Department Vote were to be put down again, but otherwise I am afraid I cannot offer any special facilities.
§ Mr. TINKERCan the hon. Gentleman say when the Mines Department Vote will be taken; and is he aware that the miners' conference on Saturday was dead against the report and pressed us to do something?
§ Mr. BROWNI shall be glad to hear the views of the Lancashire mine workers. I have received nothing from them, but have only seen Press reports. I cannot express any opinion on what has appeared in the Press until I get reports from the mine workers themselves. With regard to the other point, that is the matter for the Opposition.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied, in view of the widespread complaints about overtime, that his Department is doing all it can to see that overtime is dealt with?
§ Mr. BROWNMy hon. Friend will be aware that the report to which the question referred is available in the Vote 163 Office and is a most detailed account of investigations made by two special inspectors throughout Lancashire, with the facts of each pit in the appendix.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLWill the hon. Gentleman accept the assurance of hon. Members in the House that his inspectors are very often deliberately deceived?
§ Mr. BROWNI cannot accept that at all. What I should like to have are reports in detail made to me by people who make general statements outside.