§ 27. Sir W. Smithersasked the Secretary for Mines how many unofficial strikes have taken place in the coal industry during the last month; what was their duration; and how many men were involved?
§ Mr. GrenfellDuring the three weeks ended 23rd May there were 86 strikes, involving loss of time by approximately 58,000 wage earners. The duration of the dispute varied, but, in all, 141,688 man-shifts were lost in the period. Information for the week ended 30th May is not yet available.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhat steps have been taken, if any, to bring home to the miners the seriousness of the situation created by unofficial strikes?
§ Mr. GrenfellEverything possible has been done to bring home to the minds of the men who have abstained from work the great loss and injury inflicted upon the nation by their action. I am glad to say that almost all the men are back at work to-day.
§ Sir A. KnoxAre not these strikes illegal?
§ Mr. GrenfellThey are not strictly illegal.