§ 30. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary for Mines how many amalgamations have now been made in the coal-mining industry; and how many pits are affected?
§ 32. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines the number of amalgamations that have taken place since the passing of the Mining Industry Act, 1926; and will he say what proportion they comprise of the total number of collieries in England, Scotland and Wales?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)I made a report to Parliament on this subject on 5th November last. One scheme involving 19 pits and about 16,300 workpeople has since been approved by the Railway and Canal Commission, and another affecting 9 pits and 6,100 workers is now before them. The amalgamations completed since August, 1926, cover about 16 per cent. of the industry.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied with this rate of progress?
§ Commodore KINGIt is not for me to express an opinion, but I think the answer shows that considerable progress has been made.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not the Minister's business to try to hasten on amalgamation?
§ Commodore KINGThe Government have already done that in the Mining Industry Act.
§ Mr. SHINWELLDoes not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it is clear that general amalgamation will not operate as a result of the voluntary efforts of the coalowners?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir. I do not think anything like that.
§ Mr. SHINWELLDo not the figures just given by the hon. and gallant Gentleman, showing that only 16 per cent. have been amalgamated since 1926, prove that voluntary effort is insufficient?
§ Commodore KINGI do not agree.
§ Mr. BATEYAre the amalgamations as numerous as the Government expected when they passed the Mining Industry Act?