§ 66. Mr. Charles Brownasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that a miner named Wilfred Hardy, employed at Teversal Colliery, Nottinghamshire, stated in evidence at the inquest on his two children who were burnt to death in a fire at his home at Sutton-in-Ashfield on the morning of 23rd November, that he left home for the pit at 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, 22nd November, and did not return till 8 a.m. on the morning of 23rd 1804 November because he had to work overtime; and will he inquire and inform the House why the man had to work such abnormally long hours at this colliery?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)The information at my disposal approximately confirms that given by the hon. Member as to the hours worked on the night of the 22nd-23rd November by Wilfred Hardy, after making allowance for the fact that he lives four miles from the mine. I am considering whether the purposes for which he was retained in the pit fall within the exceptions allowed by the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1908.
§ Mr. BrownIn view of the fact that charges which have frequently been made in connection with overtime have always been denied, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman re-examine the question of overtime work in the pits of Nottingham-shire?
§ Captain CrookshankThe hon. Gentleman knows that the Royal Commission are reporting on a variety of subjects. It may be that they have dealt with this question, although I do not know whether that is so; but we will see what they have to say first.
§ Mr. BrownIf the Royal Commission have not finished their work, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman ask them to deal with this matter?
§ Captain CrookshankThey have finished.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAs this case has been brought to the hon. and gallant Gentleman's notice, will he insist upon his representative making further investigations into the matter?
§ Captain CrookshankThat is another question. Perhaps the hon. Member will study the reply I have given and its implications.