1. Miss WARDasked the Minister of Labour what progress he has made with his discussions with the employers of labour on the question of the reduction of hours?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Oliver Stanley)I am meeting representatives of employers in the engineering and the iron and steel trades this week, and propose to have similar meetings with other industries at an early date.
§ Mr. TINKERWhen can we expect a more reasoned reply about these discussions? 2058 Shall we put down a question or will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement?
§ Mr. STANLEYI think we had better wait and see.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONIs my right hon. Friend considering the question of the mines?
§ Mr. STANLEYThat is more a question for the Mines Department. The mines do not come under the Ministry of Labour.
§ Mr. T. SMITHHas the right hon. Gentleman met the mineowners?
§ Mr. STANLEYAs I have said, the mines are a matter more for the Mines Department than for the Ministry of Labour.
§ Mr. STANLEYI am constantly in touch with the Trades Union Council.