§ Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the petition from the miners employed at the Hirstrigg Colliery, Salsburgh, demanding the repeal of the Coal Mines Act; if so, what reply he has made to that petition; and does he propose to attend a meeting of the men and the owners to hear objections to the Act?
§ Mr. SHINWELLNo, Sir. The petition has not yet reached me, and I am informed that it is still in preparation. After receiving and studying the petition, I will consider whether any useful purpose could be served by receiving a deputation from its promoters.