§ 35. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the South Staffordshire Mines Drainage Commissioners are still charging a levy on all coal raised in their area, although pumping has permanently ceased; and what action he proposes to take to remove the obligation to pay for work that is not carried out?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers and that the Court of Appeal in 1927 decided substantially as stated in the question. The obligation to pay and to collect the levy arises under certain private Acts of Parliament, and I am advised that the appropriate method of terminating it is by another private Act. The Government are financially interested in the matter by reason of certain loans made upon the security of the levy, but, with the concurrence of the Treasury and the Public Works Loan Commissioners, my Department informed the mineowners affected in October, 1928, that, if the necessary Bill to terminate the mines drainage levy were presented, the Government would support it. A direct 1770 reply to that communication has never been received, but I am taking steps to ascertain the present position.
§ Mr. MANDERDo I understand that the Government are sympathetic towards doing everything they can to bring this abuse to an end?
§ Mr. SHINWELLCertainly.