MINE CONFERENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 20 December 1935, Page 8

MINE CONFERENCE

A NEW STAGE CONTINUATION OF NEGOTIATIONS (British Official Wireless; RUGBY, 19th December. Nearly 200 delegates attended the special conference of the Mine Workers’ Federation in London this afternoon which adjourned till to-morrow after a long session. It is believed that the majority will favour the continuation of negotiations which reached a new stage yesterday in the first meeting between the colliery owners and the men on a national basis since 1926. Following yesterday’s meeting and in view, of their dissatisfaction with the owners’ proposals the miners’ executive decided this morning to interview the Secretary for Mines, Captain H. Crookshank. who saw them at noon. Later at question time in the House of Commons Captain Crookshank expressed satisfaction at the joint meeting between the owners and men, as indicating some progress towards the settlement of the miners’ claim by direct negotiation. SAFETY OF MINE WORKERS COMMISSION OF INQUIRY RUBGyT" 18th December. A Royal Commission under the chairmanship of Lord Rockley has 'been appointed to inquire whether the safety and health of mine workers can be better ensured by extending or modifying the principles of the general provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, or arrangements for its administration, having regard to the changes that, have taken place in organisation and methods of work and equipment since it became law and experience gained, and to make recommendations.