HC Deb 01 July 1941 vol 372 cc1187-8
13. Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the reason for reasons for the Chop- pington Collieries, Limited, laying their collieries idle on Whit-Monday when the men desired to work, and thereby losing approximately 2,000 tons of coal; whether he is satisfied with the reason or reasons given by the company for their action; and, if not satisfied, what action he proposes to take.

Sir J. Edmondson

The company gave as one of the main reasons for not opening their pits on Whit Monday the poor attendance of the workmen on the same occasion last year. My hon. Friend expressed to them his regret and astonishment at their failure to co-operate with other colliery owners and the mineworkers in a public-spirited response to the Government's appeal for greater production. He does not propose to take further action on what he feels sure is an isolated error of judgment.

Mr. Taylor

Can my hon. and gallant Friend tell me whether the Secretary for Mines had had any assurance from this particular company that there will not be a repetition of this occurrence in similar circumstances?

Sir J. Edmondson

I feel certain that there will be no repetition, but I will ask my hon. Friend to have inquiries made and let the hon. Member know.

Mr. Taylor

But has the Secretary for Mines had any assurance from the company?

Sir J. Edmondson

I will ask my hon. Friend that question and ask him to communicate with the hon. Member.