§ 71. Sir Reginald Clarryasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has found any means of giving statutory authority 2181 to the assurances given by the Central Council of Colliery Owners, published in Command Paper No. 5693?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)Yes, Sir. While the question of discussions between the executive boards and representative bodies of consumers is obviously a matter which can only be dealt with by assurances honourably observed, all the district executive boards have given an undertaking that they will take the steps necessary for the purpose of making such amendments of their district schemes as may be required to make statutorily binding the Assurances numbered 1, 3 and 4 in Command Paper No. 5693, as to changing of sources of supply, enabling a purchaser to refer to a committee of investigation a complaint in respect of any price that may be quoted to him, and the reserving of coal pending the hearing of the complaint. The terms of the necessary amendments of the schemes are now being considered in consultation with the executive boards.
§ Sir R. ClarryWhile thanking the Minister for his action, which will considerably allay suspicion and apprehension among all classes of coal consumers, may I ask when it is contemplated that legal effect will be given to these assurances—the date?
§ Captain CrookshankI cannot give a date, because they require a great deal of consideration and drafting. There are 17 Schemes in which amendments have to be made. The House will recollect that, pending that consummation, the assurances are already in force. That is an undertaking.