§ 69. Mr. JOHNasked the Secretary for Mines whether he proposes to introduce legislation to compel a mine owner to notify to the Mines Department before closing down his pit?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXNo, Sir; I have no intention of proposing legislation on this subject at present.
§ 75. Major ROPNERasked the Secretary for Mines the number and names of the collieries in this country which have closed down since 1st January, 1924; and the number of men who have thereby been thrown out of work?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXFour hundred and fifteen coal mines normally employing 68,400 wage-earners have been closed since 1st January, 1924, and not reopened. Nearly half of these were small pits employing less than 20 persons. During the same period 143 mines at present employing 12,000 wage-earners have been opened or reopened. I am having a list prepared of the mines that, have been closed, and I will send it to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.