Mr. Leslie Haleasked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the recent stoppage of work at the Moston Colliery, near Oldham, and on the undertakings given to the men concerned.
§ Mr. IsaacsI understand that 74 men on the afternoon and night shifts of 17th May refused to leave the pit at the end of their shifts, as a protest against the decision of the National Coal Board to close the colliery down. Similar action was taken by 102 men on the day shift of 18th May. All the men concerned came out of the pit at 8.30 p.m. on 18th May, after having been addressed by the area secretary of the National Union of Mine-workers. The day shift of 19th May worked normally pending discussions between the Board and the Union. I understand that the matter has now been amicably settled, but I have no information as to any undertakings that may have been given.