§ 56. Mr. SITCHasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the occupiers of five houses at Dunn's Bank, in the urban district of Quarry Bank, have been warned by Messrs. King Brothers, Limited, of Stourbridge, who are the lessees of the fireclay mines in the area, that mining operations are approaching the houses, with consequent risk of subsidence, involving the probable destruction of the houses; that it is impossible to obtain alternative accommodation in the neighbourhood at the present time; and whether he will take such steps as will prevent these families being rendered homeless by the action of the mining company?
§ Sir A. MONDThe facts stated have been brought to my notice. I strongly deprecate any action which would tend to reduce the existing housing accommodation during the present period of shortage. I should hope that it would be possible to arrange with the firm in question that the operations should for the time being be directed to some other part of the workings which would avoid this difficulty.