§ 14. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to say what steps he intends to take to prevent the excessive overtime that is being worked in the mines?
Captain CROOKSHANKAs I stated in the course of the Debate on my Department's Estimates last week, I propose to discuss with the representatives of both sides in the industry the whole of the facts as disclosed in the reports of the special inquiries in Lancashire and Scotland. The problem is not, I am afraid, one that admits of any simple solution; but I feel sure that by mutual co-operation and good will a solution will be found.
§ Mr. TINKERWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman look into the conditions in Scotland, where it is stated that 3 per cent. of overtime is being worked? Is it not a fact that a decrease of 1 per cent. in overtime would find employment for 7,000 men, and would not that be a big question in improving the unemployment situation?
Captain CROOKSHANKI agree that this is a big question, but I could not accept the figures of the hon. Gentleman without further consideration. The House may take it that we shall do our best with both sides of the industry to find a remedy for the present situation.
§ Mr. G. GRIFFITHSIs it not a fact that 61,000 weeks' work were done by way of overtime in Scotland, according to the last report?