§ 44. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that on 30th June, there were at Stirling miners' hostel 175 Poles, of whom, approximately 85 were in receipt of wages although doing no work; that at Falkirk miners' hostel similar conditions prevailed; and what is the reason for keeping these men in paid idleness when they are anxious to work and the need for additional labour in the mines is so great.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)The agreement with the National Union of Mineworkers provides for local consultation with the Branches of the Union before Poles are introduced to any particular colliery. In a number of cases local difficulties have arisen and in consequence these local consultations are taking longer than anticipated. This has meant delay in some cases in starting Poles at work after preliminary training. I hope this is a temporary difficulty which will disappear as local misunderstandings are removed, in view of the urgent national need for increasing the manpower in the industry.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in this particular case these Poles have, I understand, been idle for many weeks, and look like being idle for many more weeks? Does the hon. Gentleman do anything more than make a statement, such as he has just made to the House?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI understand that the Poles in this case have been there for a fortnight. As the House is aware, there have been changes in the membership of the National Coal Board. I have asked for representatives of the Coal Board to get on this job immediately.
§ Mr. ButcherHow long is it since these men first volunteered for this work, and what amount of public funds have so far been expended in their maintenance and training?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI cannot say without notice. They only came from training centres a fortnight ago.