§ 5. Mr. Snowasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a trade dispute threatens between miners and their employers in the Rugeley, Staffordshire, area; and what action he intends to take.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am not aware of a trade dispute affecting miners in the Rugeley area. It may be that the hon. Member has in mind a matter affecting that area to which reference has been made in the local Press. This matter is one for the National Coal Board, and I understand that the hon. Member has recently written to the National Coal Board about it.
§ Mr. SnowIs the hon. Gentleman aware that while there are severe and, some may think, undue restrictions about Questions regarding the activities of nationalised industries, it is always the responsibility of Members of Parliament to try to forestall trouble? Secondly, would he take into account the opinion of people concerned locally that there is a dispute about the housing association rentals which are subject to agreement between the local authorities, and that this is causing dissatisfaction?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThat may be, but unless a dispute is brought officially to the notice of my Ministry I cannot officially take any direct interest in it.