§ 4. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary for Mines the number of mining districts in which agreements have been concluded for holidays with pay; the approximate number of workers covered by such agreements; and how many are already in operation or are to operate this year?
§ Captain CrookshankAgreements for holidays with pay affecting the main classes of workpeople have been concluded and are in operation in the 14 principal mining districts, and in two others payments were made in 1938, although agreements have not been signed. The approximate number of workers affected is 733,000. Full information is available in the statement placed in the Library as a result of the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Walls-end (Miss Ward) on 1st November last.
§ Mr. GallacherCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell me whether in every case the cost of these holidays goes into the ascertainment?
§ Captain CrookshankI think the hon. Member had better look at the full statement in the Library, and then if there is anything further he would like me to ascertain, I will do so.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that in all these districts the miners, to the extent of 87 per cent., pay for their own holidays with pay?
§ Captain CrookshankI cannot undertake to answer questions about wage arrangements without notice. If the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper, I will do my best to answer it. All the information which I have is given in the statement in the Library. Perhaps the hon. Member will study that.
§ Mr. T. SmithIs it not a fact that in all the agreements there is a penalty clause?