§ Mr. FRANK SMITHasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has made inquiries into the dispute at Binley Colliery, and with what result?
§ Mr. TURNERI have made inquiries into this matter. The circumstances shortly stated are as follows. The company gave notice to reduce contract rates in places where coal getting machinery was in use. The men refused to accept these reductions and on 18th June work at the colliery ceased. Subsequently a member of my staff visited the locality, and, with the concurrence of both parties, did his best to bring about a settlement. The company made, through my representative, a revised and improved offer. This having been refused, they eventually offered to re-open the pit on the old terms and conditions, on the understanding that all questions in dispute should be referred to arbitration whilst work proceded. This, I regret to state, was not accepted and both offers made through my representative have now been withdrawn.