§ Lieut.-Colonel HILDERasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the prolongation of the coal strike, his Department will now decide to give adequate protection for the employment of all necessary safety men in the coal pits; whether at present only the men actually working the pumps are allowed to enter the colliery workings by the trade union pickets, and the pits are picketed against the entering of workers who are necessary to keep the roofs and roads in good order; and that, through these men being kept out of the pits, very serious damage is being done and the chances of an early resumption to full production when the strike is over are being seriously jeopardized?
§ Mr. SHORTTI believe sufficient protection has been given when occasion has arisen, and that safety men generally have no difficulty in getting to their work.