HC Deb 21 March 1928 vol 215 cc372-3
44. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that Pelton Fell Colliery, County Durham, has been closed, and that the work of dismantling the mine began immediately after that decision was taken by the owners; whether he is aware that 1,200 men and boys have been employed, and that the inhabitants of a whole town are deprived of their existence by the closing of the mine; and whether he can take any steps to suspend dismantling operations until the matter is further considered?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)

I am aware that this colliery has been closed, but the information at my disposal leads me to conclude that intervention on my part would not serve any useful purpose.

Mr. LAWSON

In view of the fact that the closing of this mine will have a disastrous effect on the district and that there is some up-to-date machinery, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman get into direct touch with the people concerned to hold up the dismantling process?

Commodore KING

The hon. Member is aware that this pit is in the hands of a receiver. I understand that it has been offered for sale for some months, and many people have examined it most carefully, but have all come to the conclusion that it is not worth opening.

Mr. LAWSON

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman been in direct touch with those in control of the mine with a view to stopping the dismantling process, and, if he has not, will he get in touch with them?

Commodore KING

I have no standing in the matter to ask for the stoppage of dismantling. If the hon. Member has any reason for thinking the pit can be reopened and he made representations to the receiver, I am sure they would be considered.

Mr. LAWSON

The Minister of Mines has some standing in the matter that a humble private Member cannot have, and he is aware that the closing of this mine will considerably increase the rates in the district and will probably have a disastrous effect upon other concerns. Will he use his influence to get into direct touch with those who control the mine to withhold the dismantling process?

Commodore KING

I cannot add anything to what I said before. I have gone carefully into the matter. I was in the district last Saturday and had a discussion on the matter with all the mining experts

Mr. PALING

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that within the last two months scores of cases have been brought to me asking for my intervention in view of the poverty inflicted on the people who are thrown out of work, and is it not time that the hon. and gallant Gentleman intervened and tried to stop it for the sake of the workmen?