MINERS’ HOURS

Southland Times, Issue 21265, 11 December 1930, Page 5

MINERS’ HOURS

NEGOTIATIONS FOR CONVENTION. LEGISLATION LAPSES NEXT YEAR. (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Rugby, December 9. Mr E. Shinwcll, Secretary for Mines, is continuing his efforts to ensure that the next international 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 states, a prior agreement between them would practically ensure the conclusion of an effective convention. Mr Shinwell has already seen the German Minister of Labour, and yesterday and to-day met representatives of the Polish Government. His discussions with them also extended into the possibilities of an international agreement on production. Meanwhile, particular attention, it is stated, is being directed to the question of hours on the 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 a reduction of hours might be to a 72 or 74 hour day, instead of to a 7-hour day which otherwise would be restored when the present Act lapses.