Mr. KENNEDY JONES:

asked the Prime Minister whether, as the Coal Committee of investigation to be set up will not report before the 31st March and the miners' strike is timed for the 15th March, he will, in the event of the ballot being in favour of a strike, ask the Committee for an interim Report as to wages find hours?

The Committee will be asked to proceed with its inquiry with all possible speed, and to present interim reports, particularly as regards wages and hours, but it is feared that such a report could not be presented by the middle of March.

Mr. JONES:

Is there an understanding between the miners' executive and the Government that the strike will be postponed until these reports are received?

I wish I could give an affirmative answer.