24. Mr. W. M. ADAMSONasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has inquired into the cause of the closing down of the Coppice Colliery, Heath Hayes, Staffordshire; and the reasons and the number of workers affected?
§ Commodore KINGI have been informed by the Company that certain parts of this pit have been stopped as being unprofitable in present circumstances. The latest figures that I have of the numbers employed in the pit show a reduction of 260.
25. Mr. ADAMSONasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has been notified of 1705 the stoppage of the No. 4 pit of the West Cannock Collieries, Staffordshire; the reason; and what number of the workers have been transferred to other pits of the same company?
§ Commodore KINGI have been informed by the company that coal winding ceased at this pit on 29th February. I have not been informed of the reason—nor can I say definitely how many of the workmen have found employment in the company's other pits. It appears from the latest return received that the number is about 60.
Mr. ADAMSONWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries from the President of the Board of Trade as to whether this is the result of the coordination and amalgamation policy?
§ Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSONAre not both of these cases in Staffordshire examples of companies having followed out recommendations of the Samuel Commission?