§ 1. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines if he is now in a position to make a statement on his investigation of overtime worked in the mines; and will he say if an opportunity will be given to the House for a discussion upon it?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)With regard to the first part of the question, I have at present nothing to add to the answer I gave on Thursday last to a question by the hon. Member for Hamilton. With regard to the second part, I suggest that the hon. Member should await the result of the investigation.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the hon. Member aware that the method of investigation in Lancashire has not met with the approval of the workers, and will he, before he comes to a decision, consult the workers, so that he will know their opinions?
§ Mr. T. SMITHCan the hon. Member say how many of these investigations are being made?
§ Mr. GEORGE HALLWhat is the objection to consultation taking place with the representatives on the spot?
§ Mr. BROWNI have answered that question before. If the hon. Member will put the question down, I will give him a considered reply again.
§ Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAMWhen will the hon. Member be able to tell us when the other investigations will take place?
§ Mr. BROWNI made it clear in initiating these investigations, that it will depend upon the facts that come out at the investigations whether wider investigations will be justified or not.
§ 3. Mr. EDWARD WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that miners engaged at Raglan Colliery, South Wales, are compelled to work excessive overtime in moving conveyors after the termination of their statutory working hours; and whether he will take steps to prevent these breaches of the law?
§ Mr. E. BROWNInquiries have been made, and I am not satisfied that the overtime worked recently at this mine is justified. The question is still under consideration, and I hope that a decision will be reached in a few days.