§ Sir W. Robson-Brownasked the Paymaster-General, in view of the many advantages to be gained by working a five-day working week in the mining industry by cutting out Saturday working, which would have a marked effect on costly day-to-day absenteeism and would further yield an all-round improvement in operating costs together with advantages to the miners, if he will consider 2W taking the necessary steps to eliminate Saturday working in the industry.
§ Mr. MaudlingSaturday working is the subject of an agreement between the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers which is renewed annually in April. I have no doubt that when it next comes up for renewal the Board will have in mind the full economic considerations including those referred to by my hon. Friend.