§ 16 and 17. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines (1) the number of mines closed down in Lancashire during 1930 and the number closed in 1931;
(2) the number of persons thrown out of work through the closing of the mines that were closed down in Lancashire during 1930 and 1931 to date?
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTSixteen pits, employing 986 wage-earners, were closed during 1930 and have not since re-opened. The corresponding figures for 1931 (to 21st November) are 18 pits, employing 3,490 wage-earners.
§ Mr. BATEYCan the Minister say whether he has made any investigation as to the cause of the closing of the pits that have been closed this year?
§ Mr. TINKERBefore the hon. Gentleman answers that question, can he say whether, before they are closed, any questions are put to the Minister of Mines in regard to the closing of them?
§ Mr. FOOTNot necessarily, nor is information given as to the reasons why any particular pit is closed down.
§ Mr. BATEYThe Minister has not attempted to answer my question, as to whether he has made any inquiries as to the cause of the closing of those pits this year.
§ Mr. FOOTNo inquiry has been made as to these particular pits. Unfortunately, the experience to which I have referred is not confined to Lancashire. The number of wage-earners this year is less than the number last year. I do not think there is any direct association between this and the operation of the Coal Mines Act.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWith reference to the hon. Gentleman's statement that the number of wage-earners has decreased, has the output of coal increased or decreased?