§ 24. Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAMasked the Secretary for Mines if, when the inspector of mines was making inquiry into the irregularities at Ross Colliery, Hamilton, any inquiry was made into the reason why a workman was dismissed for refusing to commit any of the irregularities mentioned in his letter of 1st March; and what action will be taken by his Department to ensure that workmen at this colliery will not be intimidated into breaking the law or dismissed for refusing to do so?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)The answer to the first part of the question is that three separate inspections were made in connection with the hon. Member's complaint, and all the circumstances fully investigated. With regard to the second part of the question, there is no evidence of intimidation and, although it is a fact that a workman was dismissed, I am not satisfied that the circumstances of his dismissal were quite what the hon. Member suggests. The matter is not, however, one which can conveniently be dealt with within the limits of question and answer, and I would, therefore, suggest that the hon. Member should meet me at some time convenient to himself, when I will place all the relevant facts before him.