HC Deb 27 March 1928 vol 215 cc971-2
24. Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that collieries are being closed down at the present time in Yorkshire and thousands of additional miners are being thrown out of work; and will he inquire into the connection between this policy and the new scheme for selling coal which is being arranged by the coalowners?

Commodore KING

Four pits employing 1,918 persons have closed down in Yorkshire since 1st February; but according to the statistics of output and persons employed furnished to my Department, the general position in Yorkshire in recent periods has fluctuated in substantially the same proportions as in the rest of the country. I therefore see no need to undertake any special inquiry.

Mr. LUNN

Did the hon. and gallant Gentleman hear the speeches made during the last two days with regard to the scheme that has been adopted by the coalowners; and has he not heard that they are bringing down their supply to a particular quota to meet the necessary demand for coal, and is not that having some effect in closing the collieries? Some of us know it is having that effect.

Commodore KING

I believe the effect of the scheme is as the hon. Member states with regard to the quota, but I have no evidence that the setting up of the quota is reducing employment at the moment.

Mr. LUNN

In my question I asked that the hon. and gallant Gentleman should make inquiries into this matter. Acknowledging these facts as he has done just now, is it not necessary that he should make these inquiries and get his Department to work in this matter?

Commodore KING

As I have said in the answer, the position in Yorkshire is substantially the same as in other parts of the country, and I see no reason for making special inquiry.

Mr. PALING

In addition to the pits which have been closed altogether, is it not a fact that in South Yorkshire particularly a good many collieries have reduced the number of men, owing to the operation of the quota?