§ 77. Mr. MANDERasked 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. MANDERWill the hon. Gentleman press this matter forward resolutely and not allow it to drift?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI have done everything possible to stimulate these people, but they are dreadfully slow.
§ Mr. MANDERWill the hon. Gentleman keep on doing it?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Government are beginning to exasperate my hon. Friend?