§ 66. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Secretary for Mines if he purposes to bring pressure to bear on the Harton Coal Company with a view to the restarting of the Boldon Colliery, by asking the Government to withdraw their aid given in the form of subsidy, especially as that company has been found to be in the wrong consequent upon their not carrying out the decision reached by the national settlement made on 31st July, 1925?
§ Colonel LANE FOXNo, Sir. I cannot adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONMay I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to use his influence with these people and to try to get something done in this matter?
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this company is now giving 14 days' notice; and will he consider taking steps to stop the subsidy until the company carries out its legal obligations to the men?
§ Colonel LANE FOXIt seems obvious that the remedy suggested in the question would be a futile one. To make a threat of a refusal of the subsidy, in my view, would have no effect.
§ Mr. BATEYIf it is suggested that this remedy is futile, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman indicate what other remedy he suggests which would be effective?
§ Mr. BATEYOn a point of Order. May I have an answer to my question? The right hon. Gentleman said the suggested remedy was futile What remedy will be effective?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat must be raised in debate—not now.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONI beg to give notice that at the first opportunity, I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.
§ 67. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that of 10 concessions asked for by the owners of Boldon Colliery the workmen have conceded eight, and in the ninth an amicable agreement was reached, and that only one, the question of working four shifts, which would mean continuous work at the coal face by hewers is now outstanding; and, viewing the recent reports made by local inspectors as to the conditions obtaining, will he make representations to the owners to withdraw this condition in view of the risks to the life and health of the workmen involved?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI understand that the facts, as stated in the first part of the question, are substantially correct. My Department has been in constant touch with the parties, and every possible effort has been made to bring about a settlement. I am advised there are no grounds of health or safety on which I can intervene, and I am afraid that I have no power to do anything more.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware, as he ought to be aware, that in July, 1924, his inspectors reported that there were no less than 14 places in which they found inflammable gas; and is it the case that although this was reported by the local inspectors there are no reports entered in the reports book as regards this as well as cases of broken timber and other matters—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot pursue the matter now.