§ 36. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the mineworkers employed by the Leeds Fireclay Company and Allen and Sons (Halifax), Limited, are not receiving the increase of wages granted under the recent agreement between the Mineworkers' Federation and the Mining Association; and whether, in view of the fact that these mines have always been regarded as part of the mining industry, he will have inquiries made as to why the advance has been withheld?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I have made inquiries and I understand that both these minas produce only a negligible quantity of coal, all of which they consume themselves, and that therefore neither of them is a member of the Coal-owners' Association. I am further informed that the wages of their employés are not in fact regulated in conformity with the wages of coal miners, and that they suffered no corresponding reduction when the district percentages were revised in 1927 and 1928.
§ Mr. SMITHIs the Minister aware that there has been a reduction in the wages in the mining industry during the last 10 or 12 years, and these men have suffered corresponding reductions; and will he not inquire why this discrimination has been made?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe statement of the hon. Gentleman is exactly contrary to what I have just stated; they have not suffered reductions.
§ Mr. SMITHOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.
§ 44. Mr. WHITELEYasked the Secretary for Mines if he has ascertained whether, in keeping with the promises made, the miners' families are receiving the full benefit of the special advance in wages recently granted?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe promise made by the coalowners was that wage increases would be given to the full extent of the voluntary increases in contract prices for coal. I have every reason to expect that this assurance will be honoured.
§ 71. Mr. ROWSONasked the Secretary for Mines what was the average wage paid per man-shift worked in the coal mines of Lancashire; what was the average output of coal per man-shift worked in the year 1925; and can he give comparative figures for the year 1935?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKSeparate particulars for Lancashire and Cheshire for 1925 are not available. In 1935 the average cash earnings per man-shift worked were 9s. 2d. and the average out- 1045 put per man-shift worked was 19.08 cwts. For Lancashire and Cheshire and North Staffordshire combined, the corresponding figures for 1925 were 10s. 0½d. and 14.68 cwts. and for 1935, 9s. 4d. and 20.35 cwts.