§ 37. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the Secretary for Mines if he has received representations from the colliery owners in the Swansea districts whose properties are being threatened by the rising water in the old workings formerly pumped from Collards pit; and whether his Department will bring all the interested parties together in a joint pumping scheme to save the neighbouring collieries?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES(Commodore Douglas King)I assume the hon. Member refers to the cessation of pumping at Callands Pit in July, 1926. His Majesty's Divisional Inspector of Mines has watched the situation continuously from the standpoint of safety, but I have received no request from the owners for the formulation of a joint pumping scheme, and I am not hopeful that such a proposal would be practicable.
§ Mr. PALINGIs not this precisely one of the schemes for amalgamation which was recommended by the Commission; and, if the owners will not do anything in order to bring this about, is the Mines Department watching the matter with a view to compelling them to do it in order to keep the pits going?
§ Commodore KINGI understand the complaint is that they are not amalgamating at once.
§ Mr. PALINGBut is that not more reason why the Department should compel them to do something in view of the fact that the pits are closing?
§ Commodore KINGNo; I have said that it is not practicable.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs there not a grave source of danger to the miners if the mines should be subsequently opened; and does the hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that it is his duty, from the point of view of human life, to take some steps?
§ Commodore KINGI understand that there is no danger.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman not know that the only practical way of doing this is by amalgamation?