MINING CONDITIONS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 66, 11 December 1930, Page 11

MINING CONDITIONS

International Agreement HOURS AND PRODUCTION By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Ree. December 10, 5.5 p.m.) British Wireless. Rugby, December 9. The Secretary tor Mines, Mr. E. Shinwell, is continuing his efforts to ensure that the next International Labour Conference in June shall put through a convention to regulate miners’ hours.

The three countries most concerned are Britain, Germany, and Poland, and, as the “Manchester Guardian” points out, a prior agreement between them would practically ensure the conclusion of an effective convention. Mr. Shinwell already has seen the German Minister of Labour, and to-day Is meeting representatives of the Polish Government. His discussions with them will also extend to the possibilities of an international agreement on production. Meanwhile particular attention, it is stated, is being directed to the question of hours in British coalfields, and Mr. Shinwell is reported to be considering the advisability of a joint discussion between owners and miners to reach a compromise to become effective when, in July, the Miners’ Eight Hours Act lapses. It is suggested that the reduction Of hours might be to a 7J or 71hour day, Instead of a 7-hour day. which otherwise would be restored When the present Act lapses.