HC Deb 26 January 1937 vol 319 cc730-1
4. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary for Mines how many colliery companies since 1st January, 1936, have reduced the wages of certain grades of workmen in their employ?

Captain Crookshank

While minor local adjustments in basic wage rates, either up or down, are made from time to time in accordance with the ordinary custom of the industry, I have no detailed information in the matter.

Miss Ward

Has my hon. and gallant Friend asked the districts individually whether any reductions have taken place other than those stated, or is it the case that those figures are given just as a comparison?

Captain Crookshank

I have given such information as I have, and the hon. Lady knows that the general trend of wages has been distinctly upwards.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is it not the case that there are a number of colliery owners whose men are working on piece rates, and it has been decided that they must accept a lower piece-rate, and that that means a reduction in the rate-time percentage?

Captain Crookshank

That may or may not be the case, but that is not the question I was asked.

Mr. Griffiths

But is it not the case?

5. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary for Mines what decisions have recently been taken by districts with regard to the treatment of accumulated deficiencies; and whether such decisions are uniform?

Captain Crookshank

The position during 1935 is summarised in Table 20 of my Annual Report for that year, from which my hon. Friend will see that the practice is not uniform. Since then, I am informed that agreements involving the cancellation of accumulated deficiencies have been made in Scotland and in Yorkshire.

Miss Ward

Will my hon. and gallant Friend consult all districts as to the advisability of wiping out all accumu- lated deficiencies, in order that the miners may be assured of an increase of wages with returning prosperity in the industry?

Mr. T. Williams

Is it not the case that, even if all the deficiencies were wiped out, unless the profits are increased by very many pence, and in some cases shillings, per ton, the miners will never secure an increase over what they are receiving?

Captain Crookshank

That point does not arise out of this question.

Mr. Williams

But is the hon. and gallant Member not aware that the imposed terms of 1926 leave the colliery owners in a position in which they can refrain from giving advances?

Miss Ward

Will my hon. and gallant Friend consider consulting the districts on the lines I have suggested?