asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in possession of the full information as to the cause of the stoppage of work at Polmaise Nos. 1 and 2 pits, Stirlingshire; can he state the cause of the stoppage; and what action he proposes with a view to bringing both parties together with a view to effecting a settlement?

I have made further inquiries into this matter, but, as the hon. Member will be aware, it is not the practice of my Department to intervene in local disputes except when such intervention is desired by both sides.

Is the Minister aware that there is a charge being made by the men that they are being asked to break the Coal Mines (Regulation) Act, and, that being so, will he be prepared to meet the representatives of the men at the earliest possible moment in order to see that the law is administered properly by his Department?

Any allegation of breaking the law is quite a different matter. I was dealing with the question of intervening in a dispute.

Will the Minister be prepared to meet representatives of the men in order to discuss this point?

If the allegation is made that the law is being broken, I shall look into it, but, when it is a question of intervening in a dispute, I am sure the hon. Gentleman realises that the normal practice of not intervening on either side is most likely to be helpful.

Is the Minister aware that his Department has already communicated with the men, with a view to discussion, and will he be prepared to meet the deputation with me?

I have already-said that I will look into any allegation of breaking the law. Perhaps the hon. Member will have a word with me after, because it is very desirable not to exacerbate feeling.