53. Miss Wardasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has now agreed to suspend the operation of these provisions of 1426 the schemes in force under the Coal Mines Act, 1930, under which trade shares are determined?
§ Captain CrookshankYes, Sir. It has been represented to me that during the present period of abnormal demand for coal, the effect of the determination of trade shares in the central control of sales districts may be to prevent some quantity of coal coming on to the market. I am anxious that the schemes in force under Part I of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, should be as elastic as possible in operation, and I have accordingly informed the executive boards concerned that if they so desire, I am willing to approve amendments of the schemes suspending the operation of the trade share provisions until 30th September next. Should conditions be unchanged at that date, I would sympathetically consider any application for an extension of the period of suspension. I have also informed the executive boards that in my view it is necessary now to take every step to encourage development work in the coal industry, and that I have agreed to the suspension of trade shares on the understanding that consideration will be given at once, in those districts in which basic tonnages (on which trade shares are based) are stabilised, to amendments of the schemes to provide for the revision of those tonnages in the light of development work. I should add that it is not intended to amend the central selling schemes of Lancashire, South Staffordshire, Shropshire or the Forest of Dean, which are entirely different in character from those of the central control of sales districts.
Miss WardIf these decisions have been taken in the interests of public coal policy, would it be possible also to consider the advisability of working a 100 per cent. quota in all districts? It is a little difficult to follow the technical details of the statement which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has just made.
§ Captain CrookshankOf course this does not deal with the ordinary quota scheme. As far as that is concerned, the Central Council of Colliery Owners have assured me that quotas are given with the utmost generosity at the present time in view of the abnormal demand for coal.
Miss WardIs it not a fact that full pressure is not being worked in all districts; and has not that some relation to the standard tonnages which have been allocated to various districts?
§ Mr. James GriffithsIn view of the fact that these schemes are part of a settlement of a wages dispute with the Miners Federation of Great Britain, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consult the Miners Federation before he agrees to any variation or modification of those schemes?
§ Captain CrookshankWhat I have just read out deals with the provisions which were inserted to prevent evasion of minimum prices, and, of course, at a time of great demand there is no temptation to go out to get prices which are below the minimum. I assure the hon. Gentleman that nothing is being done which in any way interferes with price control or with making it fully operative.
§ Mr. GriffithsThe hon. and gallant Gentleman has not replied to my question, which is: Since these schemes were the result of arrangement with the Miners Federation, will the Federation be consulted before any changes are made?
§ Captain CrookshankYes, Sir, they will be kept in touch with all these matters. That is quite certain. This however, will not affect the result of the agreement, as far as wages are concerned, which is primarily the interest of the hon. Gentleman.