§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the representations from men recently on strike at Harworth (Nottinghamshire) alleging victimisation contrary to the terms of the strike settlement; whether he has looked into the allegation; and what steps he is taking to prevent victimisation continuing?
§ Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the complaints made by men formerly employed at Harworth, and who have served sentences in connection with disturbances which occurred at Harworth last year, alleging that they are being refused permission to work in collieries at which they have made application,
Number of Persons under 16 years of age killed and injured at mines under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, in Durham. Year Belowground. Surface. Killed. Injured (disabling for more than 3 days). Killed. Injured (disabling for more than 3 days). 1935 … … 7 1,165 1 322 1936 … … 5 1,127 1 331 1937 … … 6 * Nil * *Not yet available.
§ Mr. T. Smithasked the secretary for Mines whether he can state the number of accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, during each of the three years to boys of 17 years of age or less employed underground;
860Wboth in Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire; and whether he can make a statement?
§ Captain CrookshankThe answer to the first part of each question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I understand, on inquiry, that officials of the Nottinghamshire and District Federated Miners' Union are actively engaged in investigating the grounds for these complaints, with a view, if necessary, to taking the matter up with the employers' representatives. I think it would be best, at this stage, to leave the matter in the hands of the representative organisations of employers and employed.