§ 24 and 27. Mr. BARKERasked the Secretary for Mines (1) if he is aware that about 1,500 miners are receiving notice to terminate their employment at the Prince of Wales Colliery, Abercarn, Monmouthshire; and the reasons given to the Mines Department for closing this colliery;
(2) if he is aware that the Vivian Colliery, Abertillery, Monmouthshire, has been closed for over one year; that this colliery has been equipped with new machinery at great cost; and why this mine has been closed down for this long period?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe reason given to me in each case is want of trade.
§ 25. Mr. BARKERasked the Secretary for Mines the number of collieries that have been closed in the County of Monmouth since January, 1920, and the number of mines reopened during that period; and the number of collieries at present working in the County of Monmouth and the names of the mines affected in the first part of the question?
§ Colonel LANE FOXOf the mines which were at work on 1st January, 1920, 41 are now closed. At present there are 104 mines at work, including 27 which have opened since 1st January, 1920. I will send the hon. Member lists of the mines closed and opened.
§ 29. Mr. G. HALLasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that some 2,000 miners have terminated their employment at the Nixon's Navigation Colliery, Mountain Ash; the reasons given to the Mines Department for the closing of this colliery; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe company inform me that this pit has been temporarily closed owing to lack of trade; that it will be reopened as soon as trade conditions permit; and that meanwhile some of the men normally employed there will be found employment at other pits belonging to the company.