HC Deb 11 July 1935 vol 304 cc490-1
57. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Secretary for Mines whether there has been any improvement in the matter of Sunday work in pits in Scotland?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)

The hon. Member will appreciate that it is impracticable without a prolonged and detailed inquiry to give any exact figures, but I am satisfied from such information as I have been able to obtain, that there has been an appreciable reduction in Sunday productive work during the last few months; some collieries have discontinued Sunday production, and I understand that in all the remainder the percentage of men employed on Sunday has been reduced. I shall continue to have the position watched.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the Ministry keeping a close watch on overtime in this and other districts in the mining industry?

Captain CROOKSHANK

This question refers to Sunday work, and I have said that I have every intention of watching it most closely.

Mr. BATEY

Is the Minister in a position to say how many collieries in Scotland are now working on Sunday?

Captain CROOKSHANK

Not without notice.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Will my hon. and gallant Friend's inquiries cover Sunday speaking by members of the Labour party?