§ 22. Mr. GEORGE HALLasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that a large number of miners employed at the Abercynon colliery owned by the Powell Duffryn Colliery Company, have received notice to terminate their agreement, while others have already left their employment; whether he will take steps to ascertain the reason for the dismissal of these men; and whether the men now employed in these collieries will be retained in employment?
The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." I understand that the reduction in output at this mine is due to trade conditions, and that if these conditions improve, it is hoped to re-engage some of the men. I am informed that there is no present intention to issue further notices terminating engagements.
§ Mr. HALLIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that this is one of the collieries recently taken over by the combine, and, as with all the other collieries taken over by the combine, there is much anxiety owing to the dismissal of these men; and would he make representations to the combine 1693 that they should make some statement as to their future employment policy?
Captain CROOKSHANKI can make no further statement. The statement which I have is that the reduction is entirely due to the present trade conditions.