§ 36. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Secretary for Mines the period which may elapse between the permanent closing of a mine and notification of the same to his Department; and whether he contemplates taking measures to ensure that no pit is closed down until after the Mines Department has been advised?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)Under Section 19 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, notice of the abandonment of a mine must be given to the Divisional Inspector of Mines 227 within two months. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. SHINWELLDo I understand the hon. and gallant Gentleman to say that his Department considers it inadvisable to have earlier notice submitted by owners when they propose to close down a mine?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir; I do not think any earlier notice would be an advantage, because it is in the discretion of the owner whether he keeps a mine open or not.
§ Mr. SHINWELLDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman say that it is the view of his Department and the Government that an owner can close down a mine for any reason whatever, without consulting the Mines Department?
§ Commodore KINGYes, it is a matter entirely within their discretion.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe seem to be having a Debate on every question to-day.