§ 58. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the coalowners' intention to apply on a national scale the pooling arrangements at present operating in certain districts, and that the closing of many alleged unprofitable pits is in contemplation; and 2445 whether, in view of the consequences to the mining community, he proposes to take steps to deal with the matter?
§ Captain MARGESSON (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. My hon. and gallant Friend understands that the coalowners are discussing the possibility of applying voluntarily, on a national scale, one or other of the district schemes now in operation. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. SHINWELLAre we to understand that the intention of the Government is to take no cognisance whatever of this new pooling arrangement, despite the fact that many thousands of miners will be thrown out of work and many pits closed down, which will cause irreparable disaster to the mining industry and to the prospects of the workers in this country? Is that the hon. Gentleman's reply?
§ Captain MARGESSONThe hon. Member is to understand exactly what I have read out.
§ Mr. SHINWELLMay I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to be a little more informative and a little less arrogant?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is not entitled to use expressions of that kind.
§ Mr. SHINWELLI have put a question to the hon. and gallant Gentleman and I have asked for an answer. When he tells me I am misinformed myself about the reply, I am entitled to say to him what I think, and I shall say it in spite of anyone in this House, including yourself.
§ Mr. SHINWELLI will withdraw nothing.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am bound to take notice of that kind of remark. I will not have them made in the House of Commons.
§ Mr. SHINWELLTell the Front Bench to do that sort of thing before you address remarks to me.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have said before that hon. Members cannot expect always to get an answer that satisfies them.