§ 1. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary for Mines on how many occasions since the passing of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, have contraventions of that Act been reported to his Department?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)I presume the hon. Member refers to Part III of the Coal Mines Act, 1930. If so, the answer is six.
§ Mr. SMITHERSIs coal being raised now, anywhere in the country, contrary to the law?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI think that, in reply to a recent question, my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines indicated that certain information was being obtained from two parts of the country. That is still in progress.
§ Mr. GRAHAMI think that my hon. Friend indicated that, until that information had been obtained and had been tested in the courts, it would be impossible to express an opinion regarding it.