§ 101. Sir C. Edwardsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will look into the machinery set up for dealing with disputes in the mining industry; whether he is aware that nearly all the strikes are in consequence of the delay in getting a final settlement; and to what extent disputes settled at the collieries by local officials are turned down by those in higher positions and cause strikes.
§ Mr. IsaacsI have been asked to reply. The responsibility for operating the joint machinery in the coalmining industry rests upon the two sides and it is important to avoid any action that might impair the confidence of the industry in the value of its own machinery. I cannot 89W assume that in the exercise of the responsibility both sides are not fully alive to the need for a prompt settlement of differences as they arise, but I would add that my officers are always available to give any assistance which may be helpful to the parties.