§ 26. Mr. GORDON MACDONALDasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will 1814 invite the Joint Standing Consultative Committee of Coalowners and the Mineworkers' Federation for consultation before the Coal Mines Bill is brought forward for discussion?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThere is no occasion for a special invitation at the present time because as long ago as 7th April the Joint Standing Consultative Committee was informed that I would give the fullest consideration to any suggestions which it might wish to offer as to the best means for giving effect to the proposal for the amendment of Part II of the Coal Mines Act, 1930. I have as yet received no such suggestions.
§ Mr. MACDONALDIs not this committee of vital importance to the industry, and would not an invitation from the Minister to the committee help to make it of more value to the industry?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI want the committee to be of the greatest possible value to the industry. All I have said is that some six weeks ago I said that I was prepared to give the fullest consideration to any suggestions the committee might make, and it has not yet made any.
§ Mr. G. GRIFFITHSIs it not a fact that the Bill was killed last night in a Committee room upstairs?
§ Mr. J. GRIFFITHSIn view of the fact that this committee was also set up as a result of the last settlement, did not the hon. Gentleman really think he was under an obligation to consult such an important body before bringing legislation to his House?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe hon. Member will see my reply to that question and similar questions in what I said to the House on Monday last week.
§ 27. Mr. G. MACDONALDasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has had consultations with the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission with regard to the Amendments which the President of the Board of Trade announced would be moved to the Coal Mines Bill?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI have had no consultations with the Commission as such, but since the Commission is the body to be entrusted with the administration of the provisions of the Bill, if it becomes law, I have naturally been in 1815 touch with them, through their chairman, during the consideration of the proposed Amendments.
§ Mr. MACDONALDAre we to understand that the substantial Amendments which were suggested by the President of the Board of Trade last week were put forward without any consultation with the Re-organisation Commission?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI have explained the situation in my reply. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will study it.
28. Mr. JENKINSasked the Secretary for Mines when he proposes to issue the White Paper in connection with the Mines Bill; and whether it is proposed to proceed with the Bill?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI regret that I am not in a position to make any statement.
§ Mr. G. HALLHas the Minister seen reports in the Press to-day that it is the intention of the Government to withdraw the Bill?
§ Mr. BUCHANANDid not the hon. Gentleman yesterday make a statement to a meeting of private Members with regard to the withdrawal of this Bill, and would he not now take the House into his confidence as he did a private group?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe hon. Gentleman is, of course, referring to a private meeting, but I do not think I would betray any secrets if I said that I made no such statement there.
§ Mr. SHINWELLAs legislation is a matter for the Prime Minister, will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to say whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Bill or to withdraw it?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)I shall be delighted to do that when I have had notice.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCould not the Minister—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI would remind the hon. Gentleman that there are more than 90 questions on the Order Paper.