The Miners' Strike of 1974

Question 1

Why did the Miners’ ask for another wage demand?

Answer 1

The oil crisis but the wage demand went beyond the limits the government wanted to impose to hold down inflation

Question 2

What did the Miners’ introduce?

Answer 2

• An overtime ban to strengthen their demands

Question 3

What did Heath hope?

Answer 3

• That a compromise could be reached and announced that Willie Whitelaw would be minister of employment and would negotiate with the miners.

Question 4

• What did Heath announce?

Answer 4

• He announced that a ‘three- day week’ would be reintroduced .
• This meant that fuel was rationed and a speed limit of 50mph imposed on all roads. Deep cuts were made to the heating and lightening of public buildings and TV closed at 10.30pm. Many industries were forced to lay off workers

Question 5

What did the miners’ do?

Answer 5

• The miners refused to accept Heath’s pay offer
• In January 1974, the NUM called a National Strike