§ 3. Mr. PALINGasked the Secretary for Mines how many amalgamation and absorption schemes have been put into operation under Part I of the Mining Industry Act, 1926; and how many separate mines were included in such schemes?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Bilston (Mr. J. Baker) on 14th November.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that the number of schemes is very small indeed, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how long it is likely to be, at the present rate of progress, before we get anything in the nature of unification?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI have informed the hon. Member for Bilston that the time for making a report will be two years from the passing of the Act. That will be the time to make a complete statement.