§ 24. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines the approximate annual saving to the mine owners of Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland, separately, under the scheme for reducing rates on productive industries.
§ Commodore KINGOn the basis of the amount paid in local rates in 1927, the annual reduction in rates on coal mines in the three districts mentioned will be as follows:—
£ Yorkshire 517,950 Durham 550,075 Northumberland 126,375
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIn view of the figures just given, is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that at the proposed rate of relief it will take Yorkshire nine years to get rid of its deficiency; and, as they cannot increase 797 their wages until the deficiency is removed, will the Secretary for Mines tell us what the Government are going to do in the meantime for the Yorkshire miners?
§ Mr. PALINGOr any other miners.