HC Deb 03 May 1932 vol 265 cc937-8
4. Captain P. MAC DONALD

asked the Secretary for Mines what has been the total cost to date of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission; how many times this Commission has met; what work it has accomplished; from what bodies it has heard evidence; and by what date it is anticipated that its work will be completed?

Mr. ISAAC FOOT

The total cost of the Commission to date is £28,363. The number of formal meetings so far held, excluding meetings and visits conducted by the chairman alone, is 49. During the last 16 months, first the chairman and later the whole Commission have visited each coalfield in the country, and conferred with the owners on the general policy to be followed. I am informed that, in the course of these visits, they have had interviews with 821 persons, representing 454 undertakings responsible for 94 per cent. of the total output. The number of amalgamations completed so far is four, and others are under consideration. With regard to the last paragraph of the question, it is at present impossible, owing to the intricacy and difficulty of the problem, to forecast the probable duration of the Commission's task.

Captain MACDONALD

Does the hon. Member think that this Commission has justified the enormous expenditure upon it?

Mr. FOOT

I cannot give an answer in the course of a word or two, but I think the Commission is doing very valuable work which they were directed to do by Parliament.

Mr. TINKER

Can the Minister say whether the 10 per cent. economy cut was applied to the Commission?

Mr. FOOT

No, but before any cut was applied, the chairman himself offered to forgo £1,250 of the income that was voted to him by Parliament.

Captain MACDONALD

Is the Minister sure that this question can be discussed on the Board of Trade Vote?

Mr. FOOT

I am not sure whether this can be discussed, though I expect that many attempts will be made. Some reference to it must be made and hon. Members will be entitled to ask for information.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the Minister aware that some hon. Members with practical knowledge of mining are satisfied that the Commission is doing a really good work?

Mr. FOOT

I am very glad to get information of that fact.

Captain MACDONALD

Is he also aware that some mine-owners are convinced that this body can never achieve any good?