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L.A. Comments on Union's Reluctance

24th January 1964
Page 44
Page 44, 24th January 1964 — L.A. Comments on Union's Reluctance
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

THE Scottish Licensing Authority, Mr.

W. F. Quin, adjourned a case of unusual interest last Friday, awaiting certified figures of operation. The case involved miners' coal from a specified colliery in Ayrshire for which H. Ferguson and Son asked for a B licence for one vehicle of 31 tons following a short-term grant for the same work.

Normally a simple application when supported by the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers, this case arose from insistence by the police that miners' coal be bagged in future and not dumped cm the streets in bulk. The existing contractors at the collieries, handling bulk, were asked to quote and offered to bag the coal at Is. per bag and delivery charge. This was rejected by the miners, who then advertised for someone to do the work.

A previous contractor took on the work at 4d. per bag plus an agreed transport charge, but went bankrupt. The N.U.M. then advertised for offers and a miner, Mr. Ferguson, agreed to take over the work at 4d. per bag, Mr. R. Mackenzie, for the objectors— local deliverers of bulk coal—contested the uncertified figures offered and contended that 4d. was a totally unsatisfactory figure, making the whole operation uneconomic and dangerous.

Mr. Quin pointed out that he had an obligation to ensure economic and legal operation. The N.U.M. were always in the forefront when increases were wanted. he said, but they never seemed willing to pay even an economic price for the services they got.


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