§ 24. Mr. Tinkerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that many miners have to travel long distances to the colliery from their homes; that this means a reduced wage because of the fares they have to pay; and, seeing munition workers are granted a remittance of travelling expenses, will he examine the position and try and get the miners on a similar basis?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)It is true that many miners have to travel at their own expense by train or road transport to the pit where they are employed. Arrangements have been made in special cases to assist them by providing bus services, for which they have been charged the ordinary fare. 148 The Ministry of Labour has found it necessary to give allowances to assist munition workers to travel to certain new factories at a distance from their homes. The question of allowances to help miners in special circumstances has been raised by the workmen's organisation, and I regret I am not in a position to state whether any concessions have been given as a result of local negotiations.
§ Mr TinkerAs the Minister is aware, miners come under the Essential Works Order. Seeing that they have been put in that position, are they not entitled to some recompense for the money they have to spend in travelling, which in some cases amounts to 3s.or 4s.a week?
§ Mr. GrenfellI do not think that it is, in the first place, a matter for my Department; it is a matter for the men themselves.
§ Mr. R. GibsonCould my hon. Friend see that this expenditure is allowed for Income Tax purposes?
§ Mr. GrenfellI do not think that it can be taken into consideration for that purpose..
§ Mr. TinkerI do not suggest that this is a matter for the Mines Department, but I suggest that the Minister should approach other Departments to get the matter put right.
§ Mr. GrenfellNo, I think it is a matter for the men in the areas affected to make the first application. In some districts men have been paying high fares for years to go to work.