§ 59. Mr. SITCHasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the possible closure of coal mines in the Tipton, Old Hill, and Kingswinford districts of South Staffordshire through flooding; whether he has ascertained the views of the persons concerned as to this danger; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in relation thereto?
§ 61. Mr. ALFRED SHORTasked the Home Secretary if and by whom a committee of mining experts was recently appointed for the purpose of inquiring into the flooding of the mines in South Staffordshire; and whether it is proposed to issue a Report as to its findings thereon, and when?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridgeman)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer these questions. My attention has been directed to the possible closing of coal mines in certain districts of South Staffordshire through the flooding of the Tipton area, and the Controller of Coal Mines has the matter in hand. He recently appointed three mining engineers of high technical qualifications to visit the district and advise him as to the best course to pursue. He is now acting on the advice of these gentlemen and has appointed a highly qualified engineer to carry out arrangements with a view to securing the neighbouring areas of Oldbury, Old Hill, and Kingswinford districts of South Staffordshire from inundation. It is not proposed to issue as a Report the conclusions arrived at by the experts.