HC Deb 01 December 1931 vol 260 cc911-2
6. Mr. KIRKWOOD (for Mr. McGOVERN)

asked the Secretary for Mines if the appointment of Sir Ernest Gowers for work in connection with coal mines amalgamation still continues; and how many amalgamations have been completed?

Mr. ISAAC FOOT

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, one amalgamation has been completed, and two more are now before the Railway and Canal Commission.

Mr. MAXTON

Is not that a very poor result for the efforts of such a highly qualified person as Sir Ernest Gowers was reported to be?

Mr. FOOT

Sir Ernest Cowers has done a great deal of work in surveying the whole field. He has visited every mining district in the country in the course of his survey and has also visited every area in company with the members of the Commission.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I wonder if the Minister could tell us if it was true that Montagu Norman instructed the last Minister of Mines—

HON. MEMBERS

Order!