§ MR. D. A. THOMASI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a number of the smaller collieries in South Wales have been closed owing to the unprofitable nature of the coal trade at present; and if he can state the number of workmen that have been thrown out of employment in consequence, and the further number that may be thrown out when notices now pending expire.
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonI am informed by the Inspector of Mines for the South Wales District that the number of collieries which have been closed or are about to be closed is nine. The total number of persons employed at the collieries last year was 781.