§ 20. Mr. JENNINGSasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that many pits in the county of Durham are being flooded; and whether any joint scheme of pumping has been initiated by his Department?
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTI am aware that owing to the closing down, on economic grounds, of certain collieries near the outcrops, there has been a considerable increase in the water to be dealt with in neighbouring mines. I cannot, however, usefully take any action in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend in the absence of agreement on the part of a substantial majority of the owners of the mines concerned; and at present there is no evidence of any such agreement. I shall, of course, continue to watch the position closely.
§ Mr. JENNINGSDoes the Minister for Mines realise that this may permanently affect the livelihood of thousands of miners in the future?
§ Mr. FOOTI am aware of the seriousness of this matter, but my powers are limited by Statute, and I would suggest that the hon. Member should get into touch with the owners in his own district, so that there may be some concerted action with which I can deal.
§ Mr. JENNINGSIs it not much more effective for the Mines Department to get into touch with the owners instead of with private individuals?
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the hon. Member aware that the owners will not do anything individually. This is the result of individualism.