HC Deb 09 July 1931 vol 254 cc2273-4
77. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary for Mines the present position with regard to the rates levied by the South Staffordshire Mines Drainage Board for work which is no longer carried out; what action has been taken locally; and when a decision may be expected?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)

A meeting of the mineowners in the Tipton area, at which the Mines Department was represented, was held in December last and a committee was set up to investigate the possibility of promoting a Private Bill to terminate the Mines Drainage Levy in the Tipton area. I hope that those concerned will find it possible to promote a Bill for this purpose, but this could not in any case have been done until next Session.

Mr. MANDER

Will the hon. Gentleman press this matter forward resolutely and not allow it to drift?

Mr. SHINWELL

I have done everything possible to stimulate these people, but they are dreadfully slow.

Mr. MANDER

Will the hon. Gentleman keep on doing it?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Government are beginning to exasperate my hon. Friend?