§ 70. 70. Mr. LAWSONasked the Secretary for Mines whether there has been any curtailment of coal drawing on Sundays in those mines in Scotland which have recently been the subject of inquiry by him; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take to put an end to this objectionable practice?
§ Mr. E. BROWN:I understand that the Lanarkshire Miners' Union raised the question of Sunday working with the coal-owners at a recent meeting of the Conciliation Board, and I hope this will lead to a very substantial reduction in such working. I shall keep myself informed of the result both in that and in other Scottish districts.
§ Mr. LAWSONIn view of the fact that the hon. Member recently informed the House that over 50 men were working on
§ Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Sundays, will he not use his personal influence in the matter, and, in case no agreement is arrived at, deal with the question by legislation?
§ Mr. BROWNI would rather wait and see the results of the discussions between the two parties on the Conciliation Board. It would be better to get the matter settled by agreement rather than by force.
§ Mr. LAWSONHas not the Secretary for Mines already waited a long time?
§ Mr. BUCHANANWhile the hon. Member is waiting the position is becoming worse. Will he not take steps in the meantime to hurry on the matter?
Mr. BR OWNThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The statement is that the position is better.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSAlthough the output of coal was 14,000,000 tons larger than in the previous year, 3,000 fewer miners were employed. Does he not think it is his responsibility to take action and not wait too long?
§ Mr. BROWNHon. Members who take an interest in this matter know that I have taken a great deal of interest in it; and still do.