§ 17. Mr. DUNNasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to the amount of overtime being worked at the New Lount and Collorton collieries, Leicestershire, between 1930 and 1935, and to report on the same?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am afraid that it is not possible to carry out an inquiry of this nature over the period suggested, as no records are required to be kept for longer than 12 months. I will, however, have inquiry made as to the overtime worked recently at these collieries, and will let the hon. Member know the result.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHas the Secretary for Mines satisfied himself that overtime in collieries is not so prevalent as it used to be?
§ 18. Mr. DUNNasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will cause inquiries to be made at the New Lount and Collorton collieries, Leicestershire, into the working of the Minimum Wages Act, 1912, and any cases of evasions of it?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI cannot undertake to make general inquiries of this nature at particular collieries. The minimum wage, under the Act of 1912, is an implied term of every contract for employment, and can be enforced as such by the individual workman. If the hon. Member has any reason for believing that the Act is being infringed and will furnish me with his evidence, I will have it examined, and, if necessary, will make inquiries.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not the duty of the Department over which the hon. and gallant Gentleman presides to conduct special inquiries at all times as to possible evasions on this point?