§ 27. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any statement to make as to the position of affairs in the mining industry arising out of the dispute at Harworth?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)On the occasion of the Debate on the Mines Department Vote on 5th May I gave the House a full account of what had passed up to that date. I have held many meetings since then with all the parties concerned through which it is perhaps unnecessary for me to go in detail. On Friday last I invited all three parties involved in this dispute to meet me separately at the Mines Department, and I am pleased to inform the House that following separate discussions with them, a joint conference was held under my chairmanship that afternoon. At this conference all the parties accepted the principle of amalgamation of the Nottinghamshire and District Miners' Industrial Union and the Nottinghamshire Miners' Association, and it was agreed that meetings to discuss the terms of amalgamation should be held under a neutral chairman to be nominated by me. I nominated Mr. John Forster, who accepted the appointment, and the first meeting was held this morning.
At the joint conference on Friday last it was also decided that, as soon as agreed terms of amalgamation have been ratified by the delegate conference of the two unions, effect would be given to the terms previously negotiated for the re-engagement of men at Harworth Colliery. Meantime the owners of Harworth Colliery have undertaken not to engage any 17 further men at the colliery. Hon. Members will, I am sure, join me in expressing the hope that the meetings now proceeding will result in an agreement on the terms of amalgamation such as will receive the ratification of the delegate conferences of the two unions and so bring peace.
§ Mr. GallacherAre we to understand that all the men at Harworth are to be reinstated?
§ Captain CrookshankIf the House wishes to know the terms of the agreement to which I refer in this reply, it was set out at length in the speech that I made on 5th May.
§ Mr. BellengerHave the owners also agreed to abide by the arrangements come to between the two unions as to fusion?
§ Captain CrookshankI should say that the fact that the principle of amalgamation has been accepted by all parties covers that.
§ Captain Harold BalfourCan my hon. and gallant Friend give any reason for the better understanding and feeling in this dispute?
§ Captain CrookshankNo, I do not think I can do that, except to say that there has been a genuine desire on the part of all parties to the dispute to make a response to the appeal which the Prime Minister made in this House, and also I might add to that a reference to the admirable conciliation work of the officers of my Department.
§ Mr. GallacherAre we to understand that only 300 men are to get employment and that the other 600 are to be left without?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat has been dealt with in the reply.