HC Deb 13 December 1938 vol 342 cc1803-4
66. Mr. Charles Brown

asked 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 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. Brown

In 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 Crookshank

The 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. Brown

If the Royal Commission have not finished their work, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman ask them to deal with this matter?

Captain Crookshank

They have finished.

Mr. T. Williams

As 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 Crookshank

That is another question. Perhaps the hon. Member will study the reply I have given and its implications.