§ 30. Mr. DUNNICOasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the delay in introducing legislation along the lines indicated in the Royal Commission's Report is causing anxiety and expense to many small property owners; and whether he can give an assurance that a Bill embodying the recommendations will be introduced this Session?
§ Commodore KINGI assume that the hon. Member refers to the Royal Commission on Mining Subsidence. Several of their recommendations require very full and careful examination by a number of Departments before any conclusions upon them can be reached. They are now being examined by a Committee of which I am Chairman, but I cannot give any assurance on the subject of legislation.
§ Mr. BATEYCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us when we may expect the decision of the Department on this question?
§ Commodore KINGWhen the Committee have completed their inquiries.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESDo the Government intend to bring in legislation before the dissolution of this Parliament; and is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are many thousands of small property owners who are almost ruined because of the effects of mining subsidence, and that for years they have been expecting some legislation?
§ Commodore KINGThat is a question of legislation which I cannot answer at the moment.
§ Mr. PALINGCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how many times the Committee have met?
§ Commodore KINGAt the present time preliminary inquiries are going on between the different Departments in order to get all the facts on the question.
§ Mr. JONESShould I be in order in asking leave to move the Adjournment of the House this evening? I think that this is an urgent matter of public importance.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think so.