HC Deb 30 June 1925 vol 185 cc2205-9
28. Mr. MARDY JONES

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps are being taken by the Mines Department to ensure that pumping operations are being fully maintained in all the coal mines that are now closing down in the British coalfields, due to depression of trade or other causes, so as to prevent any danger of neighbouring mines being inundated?

Colonel LANE-FOX

On the general question of danger from waterlogged workings, I would refer the hon. Member to pages 46 and 47 of my Department's Report for 1924, from which be will see that this very important matter is receiving close attention. An accumulation of water in a mine does not always endanger other mines. The owners of any mine that may be threatened are responsible for taking whatever precautions may be necessary, and the inspectors make a point of looking into the question whenever notices of abandonment are received.

Mr. JONES

In view of the fact that there are 360 out of the total number of mines which have closed down within the last few months, how is it possible for those inspectors to examine into them for waterlogging?

Colonel LANE-FOX

I am receiving reports regularly in the case of every mine from the inspectors, and the matter is being carefully watched.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question? What steps is his Department taking in the case of mines shut down to secure that the pumping arrangements are kept going? Will he kindly answer the question instead of referring us to page 1 or 2?

Colonel LANE-FOX

If the hon. Gentleman will do what I ask him to do, he will find fuller information than I can give him in an answer to a question.

Mr. BUCHANAN

But, Mr. Speaker, the hon. and gallant Gentleman is asked a definite question. In interests of the House we ask, and I want to know, and Members here want to know, what steps his Department are taking to secure that pumping arrangements at these pits are kept going, so that when the re-start is made the men will be sure of getting back to their work That is what we want to know.

Mr. SPEAKER

The Minister has given his answer.

Mr. BUCHANAN

He has not answered the question:

29. Mr. JONES

further asked the Secretary for Mines how many coal mines have been abandoned in each coalfield during the three years 1922, 1923 and 1924; will he state what steps are being taken by the Mines Department in such cases to keep accurate records of the underground plans of such mines; and can he state how many of such mines in each coalfield are waterlogged?

Colonel LANE-FOX

As the reply includes a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

STATEMENT showing the number of Coal Mines at which one or more seams were abandoned during the years 1922, 1923 and 1924—arranged according to the Mining Industry Act Districts.
Number and Name of District. 1922. 1923. 1924. Total for 3 years, 1922–1924.
1. Northumberland … 7 5 5 17
2. Durham … 6 6 11 23
3. Cumberland and Westmorland … 1 2 2 5
4. Lancashire and Cheshire … 25 21 22 68
5. Yorkshire, South … 17 15 11 43
6. Yorkshire, West … 20 10 12 42
7. Nottinghamshire … 2 1 — 3
8. Derbyshire (except South Derbyshire) … 12 10 11 33
9. Derbyshire, South … — — — —
10. Staffordshire, North … 14 12 6 32
11. Cannock Chase … 3 1 1 5
12. Staffordshire, South and Worcestershire … 11 7 12 30
13. Leicestershire … 1 — — 1
14. Warwickshire … 1 2 1 4
15. Shropshire … 6 5 1 12
16. Forest of Dean … 4 2 1 7
17. Somerset … 2 — 2 4
18. Bristol … — — — —
19. Kent … 1 — 1 2
20. South Wales and Monmouth … 16 22 20 58
21. North Wales … 1 2 3 6
22. Fife and Clackmannan … 5 7 18 30
23. Lothians (Mid. and East) … 4 2 1 7
24. Lanarkshire, Linlithgow, Stirling, Renfrew and Dumbarton. … 39 28 42 109
25. Ayrshire, Dumfries and Argyll … 13 7 8 28
Total … 211 167 191 569
35. Mr. CECIL WILSON

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has made any investigation in regard to the causes for the closing of any one of the 361 coal mires closed since 1st November, 1924; and, if so, will he give the name of the mine, the date of investigation, and the result thereof?

Colonel LANE-FOX

I am informed in the ordinary course when a pit is closed and for what reason. The reasons given in the cases referred to fall under one of the following headings: unremunerative

Following is the reply:

The statement below shows the number of mines at which one or more seams were abandoned during the years 1922, 1923, 1924. As the law requires, plans were deposited at the Mines Department at the time when they were abandoned. These are examined and classified and retained in the Department, and a list of them is published from time to time. I cannot say how many of the abandoned mines are waterlogged.

working, insufficient trade, exhaustion of workable coal, disputes, accidents to machinery, and repairs. I have made no further investigations of the kind which I understand the hon. Member to have in mind.

Mr. WILSON

Is the deliberate policy of the Government to make no investigation at all, when there are 200,000 men out of work, although it is their policy to make an investigation were there 3,600 out in another industry?

Colonel LANE-FOX

As the hon. Gentleman knows, there has been considerable investigation going on in the industry itself, by the owners and the men, who have been meeting to consider the situation. I do not know that any inquiry which this House could set up could achieve more than has been done in this way.

Mr. BATEY

Is the Minister of Mines satisfied as to the answer he has received after the pits have been closed, or has he made representations to the owners to keep the pits going?

Colonel LANE-FOX

I have had reports whenever these pits have been closed.

Mr. BATEY

But has the hon. and gallant Gentleman urged upon the owners of these collieries to keep these collieries working?

Mr. MARDY JONES

Before that question is answered, Mr. Speaker— [HON MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] This is a very important question.

Mr. SPEAKER

I think the hon. Member should give other Members a chance.