HC Deb 10 December 1931 vol 260 cc2056-7
102. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of miners' welfare levy paid in South Wales since the Miners' Welfare Act came into operation, with the number of cases where it has been necessary for the Department to take proceedings against companies in default?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)

Up to the 30th November, 1931, the sum of £1,803,595 had been paid into the miners' welfare fund by colliery owners in the South Wales and Monmouthshire district. During the last three years legal action in the Courts has been initiated in 53 cases, in 25 of which the matter has proceeded to judgment. If the hon. Member requires earlier information, I will endeavour to secure it for him.

103. Mr. GRENFELL

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of miners' welfare levy unpaid by colliery companies that have been wound up since the Miners' Welfare Act came into operation, and the number of collieries, with the amount outstanding, in such circumstances in the last available year?

Mr. FOOT

During the period from the establishment of the Miners' Welfare Fund in 1920 to the 30th November, 1931, the amount of the contribution to the fund unpaid in respect of about 720 colliery undertakings which have been wound up is about £100,000, or rather less than 1 per cent. of the total contributions payable. A small proportion of this will be recoverable as the winding up proceedings are completed. Of the amount mentioned about £22,000 is in respect of 65 new cases which have arisen during the last 12 months.