§ 10. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the resolution passed at the National Conference of Scottish Mineworkers which proposed the restoration of the penny levy for welfare development, and the further proposal that the income for pit-baths should be capitalised in order to ensure immediate installation of baths at all pits; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take on these matters?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)No such resolutions have reached me, but the provision of pithead baths is being greatly expedited, as explained in my answer to the hon. Member's question on 6th April. I do not at present propose any further steps.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the situation in regard to welfare in many districts, and the failure or reluctance to make a general installation of baths, is 155 becoming a public scandal, and does he not intend to implement the terms of the Motion carried in this House, and get these matters attended to?
§ Captain CrookshankIf the hon. Member will look at the reply I gave him before, he will be aware that the present programme involves more than doubling the rate of construction which was thought of two or three years ago.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that, in spite of the fact that the rate is being doubled, there is a very large number of pits where baths are absolutely necessary and are not being installed, and is he going to do nothing about it?
§ Captain CrookshankIt is not true to say that we are not doing anything.