§ 1. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is satisfied that all colliery companies are efficiently operated from the standpoint of maximum production; and, if not, what steps he has taken to bring this about?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)I have every reason to believe that in general collieries are being efficiently operated with a view to maximum production. At the same time I recognise that efficiency is a matter of degree, and I can assure my hon. Friend that this question is receiving the constant attention both of my Department and of the 176 Coal Production Council, and action is continually being taken, either generally or in regard to particular collieries, with the object of improving output.
§ Mr. Gordon MacdonaldDoes the hon. Gentleman call for periodical returns from the district production committees, and, if so, do those returns contain any reference to suggestions which may be made by the workers' representatives and which are sometimes unacceptable to the employers? Is a full report received?
§ Mr. GrenfellI would not say that we get absolutely full accounts of everything that takes place, but we do ask for returns from pit and district committees.
§ Mr. MacdonaldThere are complaints in different districts that the employers' attitude towards suggestions put forward by the workers is not always one that commends itself to the workers.
§ Mr. GrenfellI am afraid there is occasionally ground for complaint on the workers' side, but it is laid down by the Coal Production Council that nothing is to be debarred from discussion, and it is my intention to encourage the fullest discussions between the two parties.
§ Mr. TinkerIf for instance, a difference arose and somebody had to decide who was wrong, would the Mines Department step in and advise the owners?
§ Mr. GrenfellCertainly. If it were found that any particular owner or owners were unwilling to listen to suggestions from the workers for improving production, we should take steps to deal with those owners.