HC Deb 10 February 1931 vol 248 c183
8. Mr. TINKER

asked the Secretary for Mines if his Department has given consideration to the distance which workings in mines extend from the shaft; and if he intends to take steps to regulate the maximum distance to which they should go?

Mr. SHINWELL

The subject has been considered by the Mines Department on more than one occasion, but I have no present intention to ask Parliament to prescribe a maximum distance.

Mr. TINKER

Will my hon. Friend see that attention is paid to this matter in the inquiry that is about to be held?

Mr. SHINWELL

As my hon. Friend is aware, the nature of the inquiry is in the hands of the person who conducts it. In this case, it will be the Chief Inspector of Mines, and I have no doubt that he will take cognisance of that aspect of the matter.

Lieut. - Colonel Sir A. LAMBERT WARD

Is not this result attained more or less automatically by the increased cost of maintenance when the coal face becomes too far away from the shaft?

Mr. SHINWELL

I am afraid that that is an entirely different question.

Mr. HARDIE

In view of the fact that some collieries are able to produce in excess of their quota under the Act, would it not be possible to close down mines in which the workings are a long way from the shaft, especially where they are under the sea, and to make arrangements for their quota to be transferred to other mines?

Mr. SHINWELL

The matter is not finally disposed of; it is being considered by a joint committee of the Miners' Federation and the owners.