§ 83. Mr. T. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary for Scotland if, in view of the time that has clapsed since the mining disaster at Plean, Stirlingshire, he can expedite the legal proceedings, without a decision on which compensation cannot be claimed; and whether he is aware that several of the dependants have exhausted the allocation from the voluntary fund and are now in destitution owing to the long delay in the settlement of their claims?
Mr. ADAMSONI presume my hon. Friend refers to the proceedings in the Sheriff Court for contraventions of the Coal Mines Act. The case has already been twice before the High Court on appeal, and is now put out for a hearing by that Court on the 6th of June. I have no power to expedite these proceedings, but I am not aware that they interpose any legal obstacle to the making of a claim for compensation. As regards the second part of the question, I have no information.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONWill my right hon. Friend explain how it is possible for the victims of mining disasters such as this to exist for 2½ years before they can get their compensation?