Mr. MEEHANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the miners in the Arigna mines, county Leitrim, are being paid a maximum wage at the rate of 2s. 6d. per ton on their output, with a war bonus of 1s. 6d. per day, while the miners in the adjoining mines in county Roscommon are paid a higher wage per day, together with war bonus: and whether, having regard to the fact that this sweating system is likely to lead to a strike and result in a shortage of supplies of coal when so much is required, inquiries will be made and steps taken to fix a fair wage and put a stop to this sweating system?
Sir A. STANLEYI am not aware of the circumstances described in the hon. Member's question. Inquiries have, however, been instituted at once by the Coal Controller.