§ 4. Mr. Tinkerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will instruct the mines inspectors to get returns on all overtime worked below ground in mines and to report to him the circumstances that causes such overtime to be worked?
§ Mr. LloydThe hon. Member will appreciate that the primary duty of the divisional inspectors is to secure the observance of the statutory requirements in regard to health and safety, and I fear that the issue of general instructions as 2061 suggested might interfere with the discharge of that primary duty. I would point out however that the divisional inspectors are always ready to investigate cases of overtime which are brought to their notice.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that overtime is causing great concern to the mine workers, and that at the annual conference this year there is a resolution in favour of doing away with it altogether; and, in the light of that fact, is it not well that the Secretary for Mines should be aware of what is taking place, so that when this matter comes before him he will know how to deal with it?
§ Mr. LloydI think that this is a problem that arises with a greater degree of acuteness in some areas, and if in any particular area there is sufficient evidence to warrant inquiry, I shall be ready to order a general inquiry in that area.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the hon. Gentleman aware that some years ago joint committees composed of employers and workpeople were set up to go into the question of overtime, and can he say whether these committees are functioning?