Mr. Adamson:

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that between 300 and 400 miners have been dismissed from the Coppice Colliery, Heath Hayes, Staffordshire, whilst the remainder of the 800 miners previously employed, are on day-to-day notice to terminate their engagement; and whether he will state the cause of these notices having been given?

I am informed that the recent dismissal of approximately 800 workmen and the subsequent re-engagement of 450 of these men on day-to-day terms at the Coppice Colliery, Heath Hayes, Staffordshire, arises from litigation in connection with the will of a former proprietor of the colliery.

Mr. Adamson:

Is the Secretary for Mines aware that this litigation has been proceeding for several years, and can he not use his influence in any way to mitigate the difficulties?

I appreciate the difficulties, but the position is that the case stands adjourned until to-day.