§ 25. Mr. LAWTHERasked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the damage to property that has taken place by subsidence due to mining operations and the consequent loss to property owners; and whether he will introduce legislation to secure compensation for these losses?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As my hon. Friend is aware, however, the problem of providing a satisfactory remedy is a very difficult and complicated one, and I cannot at present make any statement as to the possibilities of legislation.
§ Mr. LAWTHERHaving regard to the various serious subsidences which have taken place recently in Durham, will the hon. Gentleman have inquiries made by his Department, in order to see whether some arrangements cannot be arrived at, whereby small property-owners can be recompensed from the collieries concerned?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am aware of the position in Durham and elsewhere as regards subsidences, but this matter requires legislation.
§ Mr. BATEYWhen the hon. Gentleman says that a remedy in this matter is difficult, is he not aware that these subsidences are totally unnecessary today, and that there is a machine in use in Germany which fills up with stones, a 6-foot seam where the coal has been extracted?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe hon. Member is speaking now of cure rather than of prevention. We have these matters, of course, always before us.