§ 4. Colonel GOODMANasked the Secretary for Mines whether with a view to removing doubts caused by the conflicting figures of the earnings of underground and surface workers in coal mines, he will issue a statement showing in respect of each coalfield typical cases for the various classes of workers of actual earnings and deductions in normal weeks?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe information in the possession of my Department does not distinguish between the various classes of employés. It would take a long time to compile such a statement as my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, and even when it had been done it would still be incomplete and liable to misinterpretation, because not only do deductions and allowances vary widely, but even the names applied to the various classes of workers sometimes bear different meanings in different districts. In the circumstances, therefore, I am afraid that I should not be justified in undertaking such an inquiry.
§ Mr. D. L. DAVIESAre we to assume from the answer that at least 60 per cent. of the men employed underground and on the surface are in receipt of subsistence wages?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKIn these matters of statistics I must have notice of the question.
§ 9. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the copy sent to him of a resolution carried by the Leigh Town Council, protesting against the attitude of the colliery owners in refusing to meet the Mine Workers' Federation of Great Britain, to discuss the application for an advance in wages of 2s. a day, and urging the Government to use their powers to get the matter settled; and will he state what the position is?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, as the hon. Member is aware, the Mineworkers' Federation have accepted an invitation to meet representatives of the coalowners to discuss the position, and this meeting is taking place to-day.
§ Mr. TINKERWill the hon. and gallant Member make a statement to the House before we adjourn as to what happens?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI think we had better see what does happen.