§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Secretary for Mines what is the present position as to working agreements in the various coal-mining districts; how many districts have at present no agreement; and how many agreements expire before 1st June?
§ Mr. SHINWELLOf the 21 districts into which the industry is divided for wages purposes, five have continued working on the terms of the agreements exist- 1905W ing before 1st December last; nine are working under agreements expiring at various times after 1st June next; one is working under an agreement due to expire before 1st June; and six are working on day to day contracts or other temporary arrangements without any 1906W formal agreement. Of the six mentioned last, one case has been referred for hearing by the Coal Mines National Industrial Board, and in another case terms of settlement have been arranged, although no formal agreement has yet been drawn up.