HC Deb 06 November 1930 vol 244 cc1086-7W
Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary for Mines how many people are actually engaged in work in or about coal mines at the present time as compared with the date at which the Coal Mines Act, 1930, came into operation?

Mr. SHINWELL

Although the Coal Mines Act, 1930, was passed on 1st August, the first scheme under Part I of the Act did not become operative until 25th October and Part III, relating to hours of work, does not come into force until 1st December. In these circumstances no such comparison as is suggested can be made.