§ 32. Mr. DAGGARasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give particulars with regard to the manner in which a change of workmen's inspectors was effected at the Bedwas Colliery, Monmouthshire, during the months of February or March this year; and whether the change was made by the workmen employed at the colliery?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI understand that the appointment was made in the usual way through the trade union representing the workmen employed at the mine.
§ Mr. DAGGARCan the right hon. Gentleman give me the information he promised me last week?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKIf the hon. Gentleman wants further information on the point, I hope he has not forgotten that he has some more questions on the Paper on the same subject.
§ 33. Mr. DAGGARasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will inquire whether the deduction of 1s. 0½d. per week per man is made a condition of employment at the Bedwas Colliery, Monmouthshire; for what purpose or purposes such money is used; and whether there is any agreement between the workmen and the owners of the colliery providing for the deduction of contributions to a trade union?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I am informed that the money represents contributions to insurance, hospital and convalescent home schemes, 1581 contingency and comforts fund, the cost of workmen's examiners, and trade union fund. As regards the third part of the question, I am informed that these deductions are made by agreement between the owners and workmen.
§ 34. Mr. DAGGARasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the Miners' Industrial Union submits returns to the registrar as a, trade union, and, as it makes no provision for the payment of benefits similar to a friendly society, will he state under what authority deductions from the wages of the persons employed at the Bedwas Colliery, Monmouthshire, are made as contributions to this organisation; and whether, as such a practice appears contrary to the Truck Acts, 1831 and 1887, he proposes to instruct His Majesty's inspectors to take appropriate action in this matter?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the rest of the question, as I have just stated I am informed that the deductions from wages are made by agreement. So far as my information goes, I have no reason to think that there has been any contravention of the law in this case.
§ Mr. A. JENKINSHas the Minister any information with regard to the firm laying down as a condition of employment that no person, as I understand it—and I am asking the Minister whether he understands it—is permitted to work in this colliery unless he signed, agreeing to the deduction?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am afraid I cannot answer without notice. As I say, so far as my present information goes, I have no reason to think that there has been any contravention of the law in this matter.
§ Mr. JENKINSWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNo, Sir. I would rather leave it. I should be prepared to consider any representations made in this matter, and in consultation with my legal advisers, because the points in the second part of the question are matter for legal consideration.
§ Mr. DAGGARLast week the Secretary for Mines said that he had not the 1582 necessary information to answer the question. What we are asking him now is, will he obtain the information?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI have just answered three detailed questions by the hon. Member on those points.
§ Mr. DAGGARMay I submit that that is not an answer to my question? Will the Minister obtain the information asked for?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI have answered all the questions put to me, but if the hon. Member wants further information, he must put down some more questions and I will do my best to answer them.