§ 31. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the situation in Harworth mining village arising out of the struggle for union recognition; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to secure the right of the miners to join their own union and to be represented by the accredited representatives of the union on matters affecting wages and working conditions at the pit?
§ Captain CrookshankThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I cannot at present add anything to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Cape) on 26th January.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware that everyone who visits the village of Harworth is affected by the fact that very serious intimidation is being carried on against these miners, and that something should be done to protect them?
§ Mr. BellengerIn view of the previous non-committal answers on this question, can the Minister make a statement to the House, if not to-day, at an early date, in view of the very serious implications of this dispute?
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsIs it true that 700 men at work have been grossly intimidated by those who do not want to work?
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIs not the Minister aware that there is a possibility and a danger that, unless this dispute is settled, it may lead to a national strike, and will he not, therefore, take immediate steps to bring about a settlement?
§ Captain CrookshankAs I said to the hon. Gentleman, I was in touch with the parties concerned, but I do not think the present occasion—if the House will be good enough to trust me in this matter—is a suitable one to make a statement.