HC Deb 08 December 1931 vol 260 cc1664-5
14. Mr. DICKIE

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will consider the advisability of setting aside a definite percentage of the proceeds of the miners' welfare levy for the purpose of creating a fund to supplement the provision now made for the dependants of the victims of mining disasters?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)

I have no power to direct the allocation of this fund. The duty of its allocation is vested in the committee set up for that purpose under Section 20 of the Mining Industry Act, 1920. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that an independent committee has recently been appointed to inquire generally into the work and the future scope of the Miners' Welfare Fund; and if he so desires, I will see that his suggestion is brought to the notice of that committee.

Mr. LUNN

Would it not be better to divert some of the funds that are already existing, with no dependants now living, rather than to take money from the Welfare Fund?

Mr. FOOT

Well, of course, that will not arise.