122. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the dispute about house coal which caused the stoppage of work at Trimdon Grange colliery, County Durham, on 18th, 19th and 20th February; how many men were involved; and what is the estimated loss of coal production.
§ Mr. Shinwell:The workmen at Trimdon Grange expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the coal supplied to them. The management and the trade union representing the men then concluded an agreement which a general meeting of the men refused to accept. They thereupon withdrew their labour on the 18th, 19th and part of the 20th February against the advice of the union. Work was resumed 38W on 20th February in order to enable further negotiations to proceed and a satisfactory settlement has been reached through the normal machinery. Some 590 men were involved in the stoppage and the loss of production is estimated at 2,250 tons. The settlement ultimately reached provides that if the workmen fill cleaner coal into pit tubs the management undertake to supply better quality house coal to miners.