§ 58. Sir JOHN ROLLESTONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a Committee sitting on the Worksop and Bawtry Railway Bill have granted a Clause 2137 for the protection of the Northern Union Mining Company, owned and controlled by German capitalists, and thereby continuing this company in control as lessees of 28,000 acres of coal-bearing land in the counties of Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire; and whether he will take some steps to prevent these aliens from continuing as lessees of coal-bearing property in this country and to prevent trading with the enemy in this manner.
§ Mr. McKENNAThe sinking operations at this colliery have been suspended since the outbreak of war, and is now lying idle. No question of trading with the enemy arises.
§ Sir J. ROLLESTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the middle of last year arrangements were made to build houses for and plant 4,000 German workmen on this colliery, and does he consider that an operation suitable to be carried out by a company which asks for and obtains privileges from the British Legislature?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am not aware as to what arrangements were made last year, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that nothing of the sort has happened now. The colliery is lying idle; of that there can be no question.
§ Sir J. ROLLESTONWhen the War is over will those 4,000 Germans be allowed to come over here?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe arrangements that were made have not been carried out. As to what was done by the Committee upstairs, the hon. Gentleman is better informed than I am.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMCannot this matter be safely left to the South Yorkshire miners?