§ 118. Mr. HOLLANDasked the Secretary for Mines the number of days during the month of November, 1935, on which overtime was worked by the underground employés of the Sheepbridge Coal and Iron Company, Limited, at the Glapwell Collieries, Derbyshire; how many man-shifts were involved; and the reasons for the overtime worked?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKTwo pits were drawing coal at Glapwell during November, No. 1 for 22 days and No. 3 for 17 days. Some overtime below-ground was worked on each of these days. The total number of man-shifts affected during the five weeks ending 3rd December, was 43,488; the number of overtime shifts was 1,403. 30 per cent. of the overtime was due to mechanical and electrical breakdowns or to faulty ground, and the remainder to a shortage of railway wagons which kept the pit standing for considerable periods and might have involved closing the pit entirely for the following day. I am informed that the circumstances during this period were quite abnormal.
§ Mr. HOLLANDIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the overtime worked at this colliery is contrary to the wishes of the men, who have to walk three or four miles owing to the very limited transport facilities?
§ Mr. G. GRIFFITHSIs it not a fact that the deputies on some of these shifts told the men they must bring extra snap to-morrow because they were going to work extra time, and that is not emergency time?