46. Major BROWNasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the injurious effect upon health and property in many districts due to subsidence caused by mining operations and of the unsatisfactory state of the law in this matter; and whether the Government propose to take any steps to deal with this subject at an early date?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Lieut.-Colonel Lane-Fox)I have been asked to reply. The Government are fully alive to the importance of this matter, and, as has been stated on several occasions, it has been receiving the earnest consideration of the present Government and of their predecessors for a long time past. The formulation of any satisfactory proposals to alter the present position has presented so many and such serious difficulties that the Government have decided to recommend the appointment of a Royal Commision to make a full examination of the whole subject and to submit proposals.
§ Mr. LAWSONIn view of the success of the Mines (Working Facilities and Support) Bill discussed recently, why not ask the House of Lords to introduce another Bill on this subject?