Mr Ebenezer Edwards: I said that they were the figures for the whole of Durham—40 per cent. of the adult workers.
Mr Ebenezer Edwards: It is not my intention to enter into details upon the questions which I have been discussing for the last few weeks. All I wish to say, in short, is that if these proposals are rejected, it means a stoppage in this industry. I have played my part in these negotiations. It is not my intention to say a single word derogatory to the employers. After all, this is a political discussion in this...
Mr Ebenezer Edwards: If we do not pass this Bill, will not Scotland go back to the 7½-hour day?
Mr Ebenezer Edwards: What steps are the Government taking to enforce Section 14 of the 1930 Act?
Mr Ebenezer Edwards: (by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make any statement concerning the constitution of the Coal Mines National Industrial Board?
Mr Ebenezer Edwards: Are there any colliery owners on the Board; and in view of the seriousness of the situation will the Government consider steps to have the industry carried on, from December 1st without a stoppage.
Mr Ebenezer Edwards: 57. asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the salary and emoluments of the coroners in Northumberland and in the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne?
Mr Ebenezer Edwards: I should not have risen in this Debate had it not been that, in my opinion, the speeches which have been made on this Amendment have not really dealt with the subject of the Amendment. The question before us is that of facilities for the sale of coal, and this Amendment seeks to restrict those facilities; in other words, while the object of the Bill is to assist the mining industry, this...
Mr Ebenezer Edwards: The proposed Amendment will restrict the facilities of the employers to carry on this industry efficiently. The right hon. Gentleman the Member for St. Ives (Mr. Runciman) has indicated the price that will have to be paid in the port of Newcastle. He knows as well as I do that prices at Newcastle have dropped from 23s. 11d. in 1921 to 10s. 11d., so that, in other words, our men have been...
Mr Ebenezer Edwards: On a point of Order. Can we have a quotation from any representative of the miners?[Interruption]. What authority has the speaker—
Mr Ebenezer Edwards: I want to congratulate the hon. Member who has just spoken on a very able maiden speech. I am sure that we shall look forward to future debates in which he will take part: In rising to make a statement on the Bill, I want to make it quite clear that I view it from a different point from that of other speakers. I speak as a member of a miners' executive, as one who represents at least...