§ 62. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the Wigan Coal and Iron Company have given notice to end the pumping agreement with the Scot Lane Colliery Company, with the result that the latter company have given notice to terminate the employment of the men working in that pit; and if his Department can do anything to prevent the closing down of this colliery?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)I am aware that the Wigan Coal Corporation have given notice to terminate an agreement with the Scot Lane Colliery Company in regard to pumping, but I understand that the legal position under the agreement is not quite clear and may conceivably become a matter for the courts. I am advised that no question of safety is involved at present and, unless the colliery owners affected are able to put forward proposals for a joint pumping scheme, I am afraid that there is nothing that I can do in the matter.
§ Mr. DAVIESDoes the Secretary for Mines know that all the men in the pit mentioned have received notice and that on the notice it is stated that the colliery is closing down because the pumping agreement is to come to an end? Cannot he do something to settle the quarrel between the two companies?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am afraid not. As far as the agreement is concerned, it is a matter between the two companies, but, on the question of pumping, unless the owners in a district come to me and make proposals for a general pumping scheme I can do nothing.