§ 16. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the Secretary for Mines if his Department has collected records of pits that still use inefficient equipment; and will he ascertain and state the reasons why it has not been found possible for such pits to modernise their equipment?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. So far as the second part is concerned, the reason why some pits have not modernised their equipment is no doubt lack of funds due to prolonged trade depression.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSHas the hon. Gentleman any idea of how many pits are lacking in funds?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am afraid I cannot answer that question.