§ 101. Major McMICKINGasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that three items amounting to £11s. 7d., part of the expense incurred by the local authority of the burgh of Maxwelltown in connection with the Coal Controller's 1537 emergency reserve stocks, have been disallowed; and whether, seeing that the Coal Mines Department promised the local authority to pay all expenses of the emergency coal storage, he can explain why this undertaking has not been fulfilled?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Bridgeman)I have looked into this matter, and am satisfied that the claim was properly disallowed, and that there is no question of a breach of the undertaking to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I shall be glad to supply him, if ho so desires, with particulars of the items comprised in the claim and the reasons for their disallowance.
§ Major McMICKINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the town council of the Borough of Maxwelltown were compelled to enter into the purchase and storage of the emergency coal, and that the Coal Controller's divisional officer informed the borough officer that all expenses incurred by the local authority in connection with the storage would be paid?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, I am quite aware of all that, but I think the best thing would be if my hon. and gallant Friend would allow me to show him the actual details of the transaction.