HC Deb 13 April 1937 vol 322 cc768-9
17. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that the production of coal in Great Britain in March of this year reached the level of production of March, 1929, and that the number of persons employed now to produce the same amount of coal is 161,000 less than were employed in 1929, he will introduce legislation to restore the seven-hour day and thus carry out the promise made to the miners to restore the seven-hour day when the circumstances of the industry warranted it?

Captain Crookshank

There is no intention of introducing such legislation at present.

Mr. Griffiths

In view of the serious position revealed by those figures, have the Government any plans for dealing with a situation in which a coal field of the size of South Wales finds itself?

Captain Crookshank

This is not the occasion for expounding policy.

Mr. Griffiths

If this is not the occasion, when may we be told what the Government propose to do?