§ 1. Mr. RAMSBOTHAMasked the Secretary for Mines the date upon which the district executive board issued is decision to the Woolley Colliery, Barnsley; the date upon which the owners of the colliery lodged an appeal against that decision; the date which has been fixed for the hearing of the appeal; and what steps the owners have taken to expedite a decision in the matter?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)I have made inquiries from the executive board for the Midland (Amalgamated) District and I am informed that the standard tonnage for the Woolley pit was notified to the owners on the 11th December, 1930; on the following clay the owners gave notice 768 of objection. The objection was heard on the 7th January, when an increased standard tonnage was granted. The owners intimated their intention of taking the matter to arbitration, but did not actually select the arbitrators until the 2nd April. In the meantime the Barnsley Town Council and others had complained to the district committee of investigation which on the 13th March recommended to the executive board that an increase in standard tonnage should be given. On this recommendation a further increase in standard tonnage was notified to the owners on the 24th March. The hearing before the arbitrators was on the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th April. The decision in the matter now rests with the arbitrators.
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister has severely criticised these owners for deliberate delay in this matter, and will he now put the real facts befort the Prime Minister?
§ Mr. SHINWELLIf necessary, I shall put all relative facts before the Prime Minister, but the facts are as stated in reply to the question.