§ 2. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered a resolution passed by the Lumphinnans branch of the Fife, Clackmannan, and Kinross Miners Union drawing attention to the fact that the development of welfare schemes is being seriously retarded through the reduction of the levy from a penny to a halfpenny, demanding the restoration of the penny levy, and also requesting the Government to capitalise the income allocated for pithead baths so that pit baths can be erected at all pits without delay; and whether he can report any progress made in regard to the latter part of the resolution?
§ Captain CrookshankNo such resolution has reached me. I have, however, consulted with the Miners' Welfare Committee regarding the problem of expediting the building of pithead baths and they have now made plans to increase their yearly programme immediately, to an extent which will, if maintained, provide baths at all suitable mines within eight years. This will involve more than doubling the rate of construction contemplated at the time of the passing of the Act of 1934. Under present conditions, the fulfilment of such a programme must depend on many factors which are outside the Committee's control and mine, such as the level of prices, the availability of material and of labour, and the provision of finance, but I feel sure that in all the circumstances there is full justification for aiming at that high standard of achievement.
§ Mr. GallacherWill not the hon. and gallant Gentleman, in view of the urgent need for baths, consider the question of capitalising income?