HC Deb 28 February 1921 vol 138 cc1394-5
18. Mr. E. HARMSWORTH

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, at the end of the financial control of the coal industry, it is the intention of the Government to subsidise unprofitable collieries or allow them to lapse?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I think it is better that I should not attempt to anticipate the statement which, as I said in my reply on 21st February to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall), I hope shortly to be in a position to make on the subject of financial decontrol of the coal industry.

Mr. MILLS

May I ask whether that means the decontrol of the Minister of Mines?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I do not quite know who controls me, except the Board of Trade.