§ 8. Mr. COCKSasked the Secretary for Mines when he will be in a position to lay before Parliament a report upon the operation of the Coal Mines Act, 1930?
§ Mr. SHINWELLUnder Section 7 of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, a report on the operation of all schemes in force under the Act has to be laid before Parliament during each year. An advance report on the working of schemes during the first quarter of this year was however laid before Parliament on Friday last and printed copies will be available tomorrow evening.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSDoes that show how many pits the Government have succeeded in getting closed under the Act?
§ 9. Mr. COCKSasked the Secretary for Mines how many amalgamation or absorption schemes have been submitted to the Board of Trade since the passing of the Coal Mines Act, 1930; how many have been confirmed; and how many are now in operation?
§ Mr. SHINWELLNo such schemes have been submitted since the passing of the Coal Mines Act, 1930.
§ Mr. SHINWELLI understand it is more than a preliminary survey; it is a very comprehensive survey. The Commissioners are in communication with the coalowners with regard to it.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSAre we to understand that nothing has been done under the Act except to close down pits?
§ Mr. SHINWELLNo, the hon. Gentleman must not understand anything of the kind. A great deal has been done.