§ 12. Mr. Capeasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has given consideration to the resolution passed at the national conference of the Mineworkers Federation of Great Britain on 20th January with reference to the dispute at Harworth Colliery, Nottinghamshire; and whether he is taking any steps to deal with the matter?
§ Captain CrookshankThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, my Department is in touch with the parties, and I shall continue to watch the position closely, with a view to assisting in any way I can towards an amicable solution of the difficulty.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWhile the Mines Department are watching the situation, is it not the case that hundreds of miners are being driven from their homes, and that the coalowners are adopting barbarous tactics such as have not been used since 1850?
§ Mr. BellengerIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this dispute in Harworth is likely to spread to the whole of the coalfields in this country unless some early settlement is arrived at; and does he not think it is his duty to the public to take some active initiative in the matter?
§ Captain CrookshankI cannot go beyond what I have said in a carefully prepared reply.
§ Mr. CapeHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman received a letter from the Miners' Federation asking him to meet a deputation on the subject?
§ Captain CrookshankI did receive a letter last week—to the best of my recollection.
§ Mr. BellengerAre you taking any action?