§ 51. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minis-of Labour what were the causes of the recent coal strike in Ayrshire.
§ Mr. IsaacsThis unofficial strike followed a decision of the Ayr sheriff court awarding damages for breach of contract against 15 miners who took part in an unofficial strike at an Ayrshire colliery earlier in the year.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Minister pursue the same policy as he has promised in reply to a previous Question, to exercise his personal influence with the Coal Board that they should abandon these prosecutions, which have resulted in a loss of 27,000 tons of coal?
§ Mr. IsaacsOn the contrary, I have no right to dictate in any way to the Coal Board but I do happen to know that the purpose of the Coal Board was not to get a monetary award but to bring home to the men that there is a contract for which they are liable and to which they should conform.