§ Mr. Mainwaringasked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he is aware that groups of miners for some months past have been losing shifts on account of inefficient and inadequate transport; that these conditions continue to obtain; that the men who suffer loss of wages in this manner fail to obtain compensation either from their employers or the Ministry; and what steps does he propose taking to remedy this state of affairs;
(2) what representations have been made to him in respect to inadequate and inefficient transport facilities for the conveyance of miners to and from their work at certain collieries, and what steps are being taken to provide a remedy?
§ Mr. GrenfellI am aware that in certain mining districts difficulty has been experienced in maintaining full transport services from mines. The difficulties other than those which arise from payment of fares which are insufficient to meet the cost of the services have been largely overcome by the Regional Transport Commissioners. The financial question is under active consideration in consultation with the industry and with Government Departments interested including the Ministries of National Service and War Transport.