§ Mr. Will Owenasked the Minister of Power when he proposes to set up the Appeals Committee for assessing disputes over the 90 per cent. wage award to redundant miners of 55 years and over in the county of Northumberland; what guidance he has sent to the National Union of Mineworkers in the area on this matter; and what is the composition of the proposed Appeals Committee to be.
§ Mr. MasonWithin the coal industry the existing local committees set up in each area to deal with pension and fatal accident cases, and consisting of Board and union officials, are being reconstituted. Cases in dispute under the Redundant Mineworkers' Payments Scheme will also be referred to these new committees, who will advise me of their findings. I am discussing with my right hon. Friend the First Secretary how we might call upon the personnel of Industrial Tribunals if there are disputes not resolved by the coal industry committees.