In an attempt to end unofficial strikes the Scottish Iliners! Union (which is under CP leadership’ is to ban pit—head meetings in Polkemmet Colliery, the largest in West Lothian, Eecause of the stoppages, the Coal Board has switched Polkemmet Colliery from tho 'A't (safe from closure category) to the unsafe 'B' category, The ban was announced by Abe Moffat, president of the Seottish araa of the National Union of Mineworkers. He said: "geological difficu lties and experiments with new machines are factors, ut we consider the unofficial strikes at Folkegmet have been unnecessary, We regret them, as it was absolutely umnecessary for the man to lose wages as we have always res olved our dispute’ through the machinery."
is the unofficial strikes arose from pithead mestings on miners! disputes - the Scottish area executive has ordered that no more pit—head meet— ings will be held without its suthority. "We do this in order to protect tho colliery which is the main source of employment in the area," said Moffat.