§ Mr. F. GOULDasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that a further 2170W 6 per cent. reduction of wages became operative to a large number of miners in the Somerset coalfield as from 28th February, 1924; that the price of coal has increased considerably to the consumer; and to ask what steps the Government propose to take to secure a satisfactory settlement in the mining industry in view of the fact that the miners are particularly desirous of effecting a settlement on equitable terms without resort to a strike or lock-out?
§ Mr. SHINWELLAs regards the first part of the question I am aware that the wages percentage in the Radstock division of the Somerset coalfield has fallen by 6 or 7 points, as a result of the ascertainment for the months of November and December last. As regards the last part of the question I can at present add nothing to the answer which I gave on 27th February to the hon. Members for Broxtowe (Mr. G. Spencer) and Moseley (Mr. Hannon).