10. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that recently unemployed miners in the Consett area of county Durham, when offered full alternative employment in other industries, have been refused permission to accept by the local Employment Exchanges; and whether, pending the offer of mining work, full wages will be paid to such compulsorily unemployed men?
§ Mr. BevinI am not aware of the individual cases to which my hon. Friend 1236 refers, but it has been necessary to take steps under the Undertakings (Restriction on Engagement) Order, 1940, to prevent the movement of coalminers to other industries save in exceptional circumstances. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will have inquiries made and will communicate with him.
Mr. AdamsDoes the right hon. Gentleman not agree that the proposition contained in the Question is fair and reasonable, and that the men should not be barred from employment?
§ Mr. BevinI would remind my hon. Friend that there is no doubt, as he has probably gathered from the Press, that the problem of applying the Essential Work Order to coalmining is a difficult one. The way to solve that problem is now under active consideration.
§ Mr. G. GriffithsIf these men are not employed at any special colliery, and are not allowed to take work elsewhere, will they also get their full rate immediately this Order comes into operation, even although they are no attached to any employer?
§ Mr. BevinI think I had better have notice of that question, because negotiations are now going on. These Orders are adapted to suit the industry, and as I have not seen the final result or the actual draft, to answer hypothetical questions might mislead people.