§ 6. Captain ARCHIBALD RAMSAY (for Mr. WRAGG)asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the closing down of the Upper Hartsay Colliery, Ripley; the number of men thrown out of work; and whether the pit is to be permanently closed?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI am informed that, including officials, about 500 persons employed at this pit received notices terminating their employment on 25th October. I understand that, while one seam is being permanently closed, it is hoped by developing another seam to give further employment to some of the men affected, and that the remainder will be given preference as vacancies arise at other pits in the district belonging to the same company.
§ Captain RAMSAYIn these circumstances, is my hon. Friend satisfied that Part I of the Coal Mines Act has justified itself?
§ Mr. BROWNThe answer is that the productive capacity of the industry is still greatly in excess of the present demand; and, as Parliament has decided that in the case of this industry output should be regulated, it is inevitable, with a limited market, that advantages for many pits must involve disadvantages for some.