§ 46. Mr. TINKERasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that coal mines are being closed in many parts of the country and that a considerable number are working short time; will he have inquiries made into the cause; and will he state what action the Government intend to take in the matter?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane-Fox)I have been asked to answer this question. I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, but cam only refer him to the answers which were given yesterday to the right hon. Member for Aberavon and to the hon. Member for East Bristol.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister stated on 9th December that this matter was having his serious consideration, that six months have passed since then, and that nothing has been done, although the figures have gone up from 39,000 to 200,000?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI remember the statement of the Prime Minister. It was perfectly accurate.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes that mean that the hon. and gallant Gentleman can make no suggestion of any remedy for this state of things?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXNo, Sir. The hon. Gentleman will have plenty of opportunity of discussing this matter on Monday.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it a fact that this information has been asked for time after time, and as six months have passed, is it not time that some suggestion was made?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXThe facts relating to the closing of so many pits are so well known that my reply is obvious.
§ Mr. BATEYDo the answers to which the Minister has referred deal with the middle part of this question, which asks for an inquiry as to the reason why pits are closed? Why cannot we have such an inquiry?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXFor the simple reason I have just given—that I consider the causes are sufficiently well known already.
§ Mr. STEPHENWhat are the causes?