HC Deb 09 June 1931 vol 253 cc782-5
7. Mr. HERRIOTTS

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received a report from Messrs. Pease and Partners, the owners of the Chilton Colliery Com- pany, Durham, with regard to the closing down of that mine and the dismantling of the pumping machinery and the consequent flooding of the workings; and whether there is any action his Department can take with a view to preventing this?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My hon. Friend has had inquiries made, however, and he understands that the proposal is to withdraw the pumps at Chilton Colliery from the lower seams only. This mine has been idle for the last 13 months, owing to the depression in the iron and steel trade, upon which it is entirely dependent, and the owners consider that the cost of pumping and of the maintenance of the workings in the lower seams can no longer be afforded. The withdrawal of the pumps from these seams is, however, regarded by them only as a temporary measure, and they hope to re-open the seams when trade improves. My hon. Friend regrets that there is no action that he can take in the matter.

Mr. HERRIOTTS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the opinion of expert mining engineers and practical workmen, if these pumps are withdrawn it will be many long years before they can be started again; and will he consider a very practical proposal for setting up central pumping machinery in that area, in order that the work may be done more efficiently and the whole cost may not fall upon the workers?

Mr. GRAHAM

I have great sympathy with my hon. Friend in regard to this trouble. The second part of his supplementary question would require consideration, but, as regards the first part, I am advised that it would always be possible to resume without any very great difficulty.

Mr. HERRIOTTS

May we have the right hon. Gentleman's assurance that he will consider the question of setting up central pumping machinery?

Mr. GRAHAM

Plainly I must make inquiries, and I will, of course, do so, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

Mr. HANNON

In view of the references to the steel industry in the right hon. Gentleman's reply, may I ask him if he still adheres to the policy laid down by the Government in relation to steel?

8. Mr. HERRIOTTS

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Mines Reorganisation Commission have had under consideration the following mines in Durham County, owned by Messrs. Pease and Partners, namely: West Comforth, Chilton, and Windlestone; and, if not, will he suggest that this be done immediately before these mines become derelict, owing to the removal of pumping machinery and the withdrawal of safety men?

Mr. GRAHAM

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to a question by the hon. Member for Blackley (Mr. P. Oliver) on the 31st March, of which I am sending him a copy. I understand that there is at present no question of these collieries being permanently abandoned.

Mr. HERRIOTTS

May I again ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is fully aware of the fact that valuable seams are likely to be lost, and that this is an urgent matter which ought to receive the immediate attention of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission, as a question which is suitable for the particular class of inquiry which the Commission is conducting?

Mr. R. RICHARDSON

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a colliery in Durham in which there are estimated to be 8,500,000 tons of coal has been scrapped?

HON. MEMBERS

The Coal Mines Act!

Mr. RICHARDSON

No, it is not due to the Coal Mines Act.

Mr. GRAHAM

I am afraid that this is a much wider problem, and I must not say more than a word or two in reply to the supplementary questions. There is, of course, depression in the industry, but I will undertake to bring these supplementary questions to the notice of the Commission.

Mr. BATEY

rose——

Mr. SPEAKER

These questions do not really arise out of the question on the Paper.

Mr. BATEY

As this question is so important, and the answers are so unsatisfactory, I beg to give notice that at the earliest opportunity I shall raise, on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House, the question of the closing of these coal mines in Durham.