§ 7. Mr. DAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the Government's intention with regard to legislation for the nationalisation of mining royalties?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAs the hon. Member will be aware the Government do not propose to embark on a programme of general legislation.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir, I do not think it will be any breach of confidence to say that we have not.
§ Mr. R. A. TAYLORWill the right hon. Gentleman, in the interests of national economy, consider a compulsory 15 per cent. cut in mining royalties?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe existing legislation provides for a very handsome cut in these royalties.
§ 14. Mr. LAWTHERasked the Secretary for Mines the amount in royalties, rents, and rates for social services as administered by local authorities paid by the mining industry in Durham for the quarter ended June, 1931, giving the amount per ton for the two services of royalties and rates, respectively?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Foot)During the quarter ended 30th June, 1931, the estimated amount paid by colliery owners in Durham in royalties and wayleaves, including the rental value of freehold minerals where worked by the 663 proprietors, was £178,000, or 5.80d. per ton of saleable coal raised. The corresponding figures for local rates for all purposes were £46,000 and 1.51d.
§ Mr. LAWTHERWill the hon. Gentleman consider giving power to the local authority to make raids upon these royalties?
§ Mr. LAWTHERWill the hon. Member pass on the good news?