§ 63. Mr. CAIRNSasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the Broom-hill Colliery owners, after having made an arrangement with the owner of the land on one side of the river Coquet to pump water for colliery purposes out of that river, are threatened with an injunction by the landlord on the other side of the Coquet; and can he take any steps to enable this coal company to get such water from the river, seeing that 1,700 yards of 6-inch main have been laid down for that purpose at a cost of £2,000?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Bridgeman)I am aware of the circumstances and I am in communication with the landowner in question, but I have no powers under the existing law to compel him to waive any legal rights, even if it is found that the exercise of them militates against the efficient production of coal.
§ Mr. CAIRNSIs it a fact that this landlord refused to grant leave to the Broomhill Coal Company to take water from the river Coquet, and is it a fact that he, as a coalowner, took water from the river Wansbeck for his own Ashington pits?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI understand that he has refused the application referred to 468 in the question. Apparently the work was done before his permission was asked for. I do not quite know what steps are being taken now, but I have been in communication with him and at present he maintains his objection.
§ Mr. CAIRNSCan the Minister blame the miners for decreasing output here when it is the landlord who is doing it?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI never thought of blaming the miners. I do not know whether anything else can be done. I should be very glad if I could do anything.
§ Mr. SPENCERCan the hon. Gentleman make representations to the Government to give statutory powers to compel a landowner who refuses to give permission to carry out an act of this description as early as possible?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is not a question for me to decide.