§ Mr. PERCY HURD (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that notices have been posted in some of the Somerset collieries announcing a stoppage next Saturday; whether the cause assigned for this action is that the Government have not found the money to make up the reduction in price, and that the owners are not prepared to carry on the collieries at a heavy loss any longer; and whether he will take steps forthwith to prevent the unemployment and serious dislocation of industry which must follow a cessation of the mines?
§ Sir AUCKLAND GEDDESI have been asked to reply: There are colliery-owners who are financially embarrassed to such a degree that even before the reduction in price they were unable to carry on their mines without financial assistance. This I have on more than one occasion indicated to the House. It has been stated by some of these that in view of the extra difficulties due to the reduction price, they propose to give notice to their men and close their mines. I am informed that notices to that effect have been posted in some of the 233 Somersetshire collieries. When the reduction of price was announced these difficulties were foreseen, and steps have already been taken as suggested in the last part of the question to provide funds to meet financial difficulties resulting from the reduction in price. The Controller is in communication with the colliery referred to.