§ 27. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the closing down of the Tynewydd Colliery, belonging to the Powell Duffryn Coal Company, thus throwing hundreds of men out of work; whether the rateable value upon which the company will pay rates will be reduced because the mine is closed; and by how much will the rateable value be reduced in this case?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Major Boyd-Carpenter)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is informed that the colliery referred to has been closed pending the installation of improved machinery, and that, in consequence of the cessation of output, the rateable value of the pit will be temporarily reduced. Information is not, however, available as to the amount of this reduction.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman find out what the amount of the reduction is, seeing that by reason of this reduction unemployment is created?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI have already answered that question.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman find out the information?
§ Mr. MARDY JONESWhy is it not available, seeing that the rates paid by this colliery and every other colliery in South Wales are upon a tonnage basis, and that the rate paid per ton has been fixed by the board of guardians years ago. so that it is simply a sum in arithmetic?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERIt is a sum in arithmetic based upon a future estimate, and that is rather difficult.