§ 36. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in the interest of coal production, he will take steps to relieve the underground worker who puts in full attendance at work from Home Guard and fire-watching duties?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston (Mr. Hannah) on 6th July.
§ Mr. TinkerI have seen that reply, and the position is not satisfactory. What I am asking is whether the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will consult miners' leaders and Regional Controllers to see whether some arrangement can be come to, because the men cannot do their work and do these duties too.
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am willing to consult, and have consulted, both the men and my Regional Controllers, and there are arrangements made for appeals, for dealing with hard cases and for sickness, and if my hon. Friend has any information which shows that these arrangements are not working, I shall be glad to hear from him.
§ Mr. FosterHas the Minister received any representations from the Regional Controller in regard to the effect of Home Guard duties upon absenteeism, with the object of reducing absenteeism?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI cannot remember whether I have received any representations from the Controller of that particular area, but in my visits round, as I have already mentioned, I have spoken to many men on this matter, so that the question has been brought to my notice, and the arrangements in operation will, if properly carried out, do away with cases of hardship.
Mr. Hopkins onCould not the same arrangements be made in these cases as in the case of dock workers?
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that some of the smartest and finest Home Guard units are the miners' units, particularly in South Wales and the Rhondda Valley?