HC Deb 10 December 1935 vol 307 cc734-6
51. Mr. LEACH

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain collieries possess subsidiary companies to whom they sell their coal production at unreasonably low prices, basing the miners' wages on such improperly low prices; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this practice?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)

I am aware that the practice to which the hon. Member calls attention does exist, though I do not think it is general. It is my intention, in considering the proposals to be submitted to me for the re-organisation of the selling side of the coal industry, to secure that a proper price for colliery sales is brought into account for the purposes of wages ascertainments.

Mr. LEACH

Will this practice then be brought to an end so far as it affects wages?

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

Is it not the duty of the accountants to satisfy themselves that all the coals are transferred at fair market prices?

Mr. PALING

Are we to understand that an inquiry has been made into this kind of thing?

Captain CROOKSHANK

I did not say anything about an inquiry. I said that in considering any proposals put before me, my intention will be to secure proper prices.

Mr. PALING

Are we to understand that the Minister will get to know how many of these people are guilty of this practice?

Mr. LEACH

When the Minister says "proper prices," does he mean proper wages?

Number of persons killed and seriously injured during the eleven months ended November, 1935, in and about mines under the Coal Mines Act, 1911.
Place or Cause of Accident. Number of Persons.
Killed. Seriously Injured.
Underground—
By Explosions of Firedamp or Coal Dust … … 37 58
By Falls of Ground … … … … … 410 1,356
Shaft Accidents … … … … … … 13 55
Haulage Accidents … … … … … 162 712
Miscellaneous … … … … … … 69 562
Total Underground … … … 691 2,743
Surface—
On Railways, Sidings or Tramways … … … 29 101
Other Surface Accidents … … … … 45 164
Total on Surface … … … 74 265
Total (Underground and Surface) … 765 3,008
Captain CROOKSHANK

Proper prices for the purpose of wages ascertainments.

Mr. GARRO-JONES

In view of the secrecy which surrounds this method of selling prices, will the Minister say how he proposes to ascertain to what extent the practice exists? Can I have an answer?

Mr. PALING

In view of the importance of the question, cannot we have an answer?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Minister has answered the question on the Order Paper.

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