§ 38. Mr. Bateyasked the Secretary for Mines when his Department made the last investigation into the amount of overtime worked in the coal mines of Great Britain; and whether he proposes any further investigations?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)The last special investigation into the working of overtime was held in Scotland in 1935. Following upon this inquiry, I appointed a special inspector to devote his whole time to this question. He has hitherto been stationed in Scotland, but his services are available in other districts if and when circumstances require them. In addition to this, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the question of overtime working receives the constant attention of His Majesty's inspectors as a whole. Investigations at individual pits are constantly taking place, and from time to time I call for reports of a more general nature.
§ Mr. BateyHas that special officer made any investigation into the amount of overtime working in England as well as Scotland?
§ during the month. I am unable to give corresponding figures for Sweden. Statistics showing the number of unemployed persons in receipt of public assistance in the four countries named are not available.
§ Captain CrookshankI have said he has hitherto been in Scotland. The matter is constantly under my attention. If the hon. Member has any places that he would like looked into, perhaps he will let me know.
§ Mr. BateyThat is not answering my question. Has he made any investigation into any district in England and Wales?
§ Captain CrookshankI have already answered that question. I say he has been stationed in Scotland up to now.
§ Mr. BateyDoes not the Minister consider it is time he was having another investigation, seeing that the last investigation in Scotland was in 1935? Was it not the intention of the Mines Department to go on making investigations in each district?
§ Captain CrookshankI do not think it was the intention to have them held everywhere. I am prepared to have investigation made when I have some reason to think there is sufficient cause for it. At present I have not had that.
§ Mr. T. SmithIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a good deal of this overtime is due to a wrong interpretation being placed on the emergency clause, and will not the Department get down to that fact?
§ Mr. PalingHas there been any report issued for Scotland, and has there been any considerable decrease in the amount of overtime worked?
§ Captain CrookshankI do not know about decrease in the amount of overtime, but there has been a very great decrease in the number of complaints to my Department on the subject.