HC Deb 25 February 1924 vol 170 c74W
Mr. TURNER-SAMUELS

asked the Minister of Labour what, if any, steps are being taken to avoid the threatened rupture in the coalfields; and whether the Government will consider appointing a court of inquiry under the powers residing in the Ministry of Labour at an early date to inquire into the questions in dispute between the miners and the mineowners?

Mr. SHINWELL

I have been asked to reply. Negotiations between the colliery owners and colliery workers are still proceeding. I am keeping myself informed of the course of these negotiations, but Government intervention at this stage would be premature, and I cannot at present make any statement as to the form that intervention may take should it become necessary.