§ 29. Mr. HOLLANDasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that exceptional overtime is being worked in the pits owned by the Stanton Colliery Company at Pleasley, Derbyshire, especially in the district known as 51, and that in this district there is a large number of unemployed miners who cannot obtain work; and whether he will arrange that, in fairness to these unemployed men, overtime should only be worked in cases of extreme necessity?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKDuring the five weeks ended the 7th March overtime in these pits, which has been worked mainly in the district to which the hon. Member refers, amounted to the equivalent of 262 shifts, or 4.37 per cent. of the total time worked. I understand that this district was started in September last with conveyors, to which the men were not accustomed, and that conditions have been unusually disturbed on account of the working of another seam passing under the main road; further that there have been exceptionally bad roof conditions and a number of mechanical breakdowns. The management have promised to do everything possible to reduce the overtime, and I will continue to watch the situation.
Mr. HO LLANDIs the Minister aware that in this district of Derbyshire men are frequently working eight, nine and 10 shifts a week, and yet there are men unemployed who are quite capable of doing the work; and will he make definite representations to these coal-owners to adjust the position?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI have said, in regard to the specific cases brought to my notice, that it will be done, and that the management have promised to do everything possible to reduce overtime. I cannot answer a general question of that kind, but if the hon. Member has any particular cases in mind and will let me know, I will look into them.