HC Deb 12 April 1922 vol 153 cc411-2
85. Mr. G. BARKER

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has seen a report of the proceedings of the Abertillery Urban District Council for 27th March, 1922, in which it was stated in the Gas Committee's report that the cost of repairing leakages during the month caused by subsidence was£33 0s. 11d., besides a large quantity of gas being lost; that a councillor stated that during the past year repairs to his house caused by subsidence had cost him over£60 for damage, over which he had no control and no legal remedy, and that during the past 10 years he believed it had cost the council over£10,000 for damage to their buildings, water and gas mains, and the breaking up of the roads, and that at the beginning of that council's term of office no less a sum than£500 was put in the estimates to deal with subsidence; that the council's accountant estimated that but for subsidence they could have reduced the price of gas 2s. 6d. per 1,000 cubic feet; that in Glandwr Street, Abertillery, some of the houses, through subsidence, have the appearance of having been subjected to shell fire; will he, therefore, send a representative of His Majesty's Government to this district to investigate the conditions and report; and will he bring in the Bill long overdue to remedy this deplorable state of things arising from subsidence as a result of mining operations?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Bridgeman)

The Report referred to in this question has not previously been brought to my notice. My Department are in consultation with the Ministry of Health on the possibility of introducing any legislation to deal with surface damage from mining operations, but I am unable at present to say when such legislation is likely to be introduced or what form it might take.

Mr. BARKER

The hon. Gentleman has not answered one part of my question. Will he send someone representing the Government down to this district to investigate the conditions?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

That is a question which should be asked of the Minister of Health, as the point arises out of the local authorities' position, and has nothing to do with me.

Mr. BARKER

Will the hon. Gentleman consult with the Minister in reference to that? It is very important.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I have just said in my answer that I am doing so.