HC Deb 15 July 1924 vol 176 cc195-6
26. Mr. BATEY

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will institute an inquiry into the reason why collieries are being closed in Durham county and the miners thrown out of employment?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)

Such information as I have indicates that any closing of mines that has recently taken place in Durham is temporary, and due to want of trade The conditions are not peculiar to Durham, and no useful purpose would be served by instituting a special inquiry.

Mr. BATEY

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that several collieries have been closed, that the men cannot get work, and that it ought not to be left to the coal-owners to close down without any consideration for the men?

Mr. SHINWELL

I am quite aware of the facts in connection with the closing of mines in the Durham area, but we have no powers to deal with the owners in regard to the question of the closing down of mines.

Mr. BATEY

Will the Minister see that he gets power to deal with these owners?

Viscountess ASTOR

How can the Minister make people buy coal?

Mr. SHINWELL

That question by the Noble Lady has no relation, I am afraid, to the question with which we are dealing.

Viscountess ASTOR

Yes, it has.

Mr. SHINWELL

It is a question of power to compel coalowners to continue operations, and that is one which requires very careful consideration.

Sir FREDRIC WISE

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many pits have been closed in the County of Durham?

Mr. SHINWELL

I cannot give the figures offhand.

Sir F. WISE

Roughly.

Mr. SHINWELL

I am afraid I cannot say offhand. I shall be pleased to furnish the figures if the hon. Member will put down a question.

Mr. BATEY

Shall I give them?

Mr. W. A. JENKINS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these conditions apply in Wales, where collieries are working short time, and that it is due to the fact that France is taking a large amount of reparation coal? Will the Minister suggest to the Prime Minister that that should be taken into account in the forthcoming Conference?

Mr. SHINWELL

I am afraid that reparation coal, although it does affect certain areas, does not affect them all. Some areas that are not affected by reparation coal are in a worse position than the Durham and South Wales areas.

Sir K. WOOD

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot have a general discussion.