HC Deb 08 February 1944 vol 396 cc1618-9
39. Mr. Fraser

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the £5 per week wages minimum awarded to miners, whilst causing an increase to lower paid workers in the industry, fails to increase correspondingly the earnings of higher paid and piece-rate workers; whether he is aware of the consequent feeling in the industry; and whether be is satisfied adequate steps are being taken to deal with the matter.

Major Lloyd George

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the feeling in the industry to which my hon. Friend refers. I am advised that the recent award of the National Reference Tribunal was discussed at a meeting of the Joint Standing Consultative Committee of the Industry last week and that, by agreement between the two sides, anomalies arising out of the award in certain districts were referred to the districts concerned for adjustment by negotiation.

Mr. Fraser

Is not the Minister aware that allowing this matter to be dealt with in the districts is bound to cause considerable delay in settlement? Is he further aware that before the coalowners agree to negotiate in the districts they must get some sort of sanction from the Government or some indication how they would be afforded the opportunity of meeting the increased cost? Since ultimately the Government will be responsible, does not the Minister think that his Ministry should take some responsibility in the matter?

Major Lloyd George

No, Sir, I certainly do not. Both sides of the industry agreed to the machinery now in operation, and the best thing they can do is to carry out the decisions reached by the Tribunal at which both sides were represented.

Mr. Shinwell

Surely if this award is causing dissatisfaction and is impeding the production of coal which is so necessary for the war, my right hon. and gallant Friend must accept a measure of responsibility and must try to put the thing right?

Major Lloyd George

I am always prepared to take my full responsibility, but I am sure my hon. Friend will agree with me that it is deplorable that, after the recent award which did advance wages, there should be a greater loss of tonnage than in any week since the war started.

Mr. Rhys Davies

When the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is considering the anomalies arising out of the recent award will he bear in mind the dissatisfaction among the pit brow lassies?

Mr. Fraser

In view of the loss of tonnage since the award was made, and the fact that the Ministry is ultimately responsible, would it not be a good thing to relieve owners of their share of the responsibility?

Major Lloyd George

The miners of the country have some responsibility too. This is an award which was made by machinery to which both sides agreed, and I do think that to have all this trouble within a few days of the decision, without an opportunty for anomalies to be removed in the districts, is most unfortunate, to put it mildly.