§ 26. Colonel GRETTONasked the Secretary for Mines how many coal mines were closed down during the month of May; and if any have been closed during June or if notice has been given of the closing of more coal mines?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXFifty-nine coal mines, normally employing 8,875 wage-earners, were closed during the month of May. No later information is yet available.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not a fact that the reason why many of these coal mines are closing down is due to the reparations in coal demanded for France?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXNo, that is not the reason. I cannot go into it now, but that is not the reason.
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTIs it not a fact that the only hope of improving the position is by safeguarding the steel trade, which is the greatest consumer of coal in this country?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that the reason for the mines being shut down is because of Parliament interfering with the miners' hours of work?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is raising a large Debate.