§ 17. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the coalowners have refused to negotiate with the Miners' Federation for the basis of a national wages agreement; and what action does his Department intend to take to bring both parties together to discuss it.
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." With regard to the second part, I do not know of any action I can take, short of introducing a system of compulsory arbitration, which will bring the parties together in the absence of mutual agreement.
§ Mr. TINKERIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that the coalowners have persistently refused to meet the mine workers, and that the position is getting very acute; and will the Government do all that they can to bring them together, or, in default, introduce legislation?