§ 26. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been drawn to the closing of coal mines owing 2091 to the withdrawal of companies who had joined with the owners of such mines to keep them clear of water by a central pumping arrangement; and will he consider getting additional powers to enable him to take action, if he should think it necessary, before the mines are closed and men thrown out of work?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am not clear what action my hon. Friend suggests that I take, even if I obtained additional powers. So long as coal mines remain in private ownership it is clearly impossible for me to prevent an owner from closing his mine if he decides to do so.
§ Mr. TINKERIn view of the fact that the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission are dealing with this matter, could not the hon. Gentleman stay the closing of these coal mines until there is a chance of seeing what can be done?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am afraid that that is asking too much at the moment, but the question of pumping arrangements on a co-ordinated scale, in order to prevent waterlogging, is now actively engaging my mind.