HC Deb 12 July 1927 vol 208 cc1948-50
45. Mr. PALING

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to abolish the Mines Department; and, if so, to what other Departments the duties are to be assigned?

47. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Prime Minister whether the Mines Department is to be abolished; and, if so, when will the Bill be introduced to accomplish this object?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave on the 7th July in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson).

Mr. PALING

Did that reply give a complete answer as to whether the Mines Department will be abolished or not? Have we not been asking time after time to whom the duties Will be assigned, and, in view of the importance of this question, and of the Debate to-day, is it not time that some direct answer was given to the questions that have been asked?

The PRIME MINISTER

I quite agree that some time has elapsed since the first announcement was made, but I made it quite clear on the 7th July, in answer to a supplementary question, that I thought it was extremely improbable that a full statement would be made before the House rises. I have a subsequent question dealing with this matter, and undoubtedly, whatever may be said in the course of the Debate to-day—which is a very good opportunity for expressing opinions—will be given consideration.

Mr. PALING

Have representations been made by the Mining Association, or the Miners' Federation, or any other body concerned?

The PRIME MINISTER

I could not answer that question without notice, but there is a question a little later by the hon. Member for the Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams), which is one of the questions to which I shall reply.

Mr. WALLHEAD

Could we know what the miners have got out of the establishment of the Mines Department, as their condition is worse than it was before?

Mr. SPEAKER

It would be very much better to deal with that in the Debate.

48. Mr. WILLIAMS

asked the Prime Minister whether, before introducing legislation to abolish the Mines Department, he will be prepared to receive a deputation from Members of this House who desire to retain this Department in the national interest?

The PRIME, MINISTER

I regret that I cannot find the time to receive this deputation before my departure for Canada, but perhaps the hon. Member would renew his request during the Autumn Recess.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Are we to understand, from the Prime Minister's reply, that no definite and final decision has been taken with regard to the abolition of this Department?

The PRIME MINISTER

A definite statement was made, but with regard to each of the Departments a desire has been expressed by those interested to send deputations. I received a deputation in reference to the Ministry of Transport, and, of course, it is our duty to do that. A deputation will be received by the President of the Board of Trade with reference to the Overseas Trade Department, and, if there be a desire to send a deputation to myself, I shall be pleased to see them in the autumn.

Mr. HARTSHORN

I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that it is not intended that a definite statement shall be made before the House rises, and also that he will not be able to meet this deputation before he goes to Canada. Could he give us an undertaking that no definite decision will be taken until he has received the deputation?

The PRIME MINISTER

The ultimate and definite decision must be when the point of putting the decision in a Bill arrives. That cannot be until the autumn. There cannot be a Bill of any kind until the autumn, so that nothing can take place till then.

Mr. PALING

Can the right hon. Gentleman promise that the deputation which is to come from the Miners' Federation will be received by him sympathetically, and that he will give their representations the same sympathetic consideration that he has given in the case of the Overseas Trade Department and the Ministry of Transport?

The PRIME MINISTER

The question of the hon. Member for the Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) refers to a deputation of Members of this House, and that is the question I have answered.