§ 16. Mr. MARTINasked the Secretary for Mines if he has received any proposals for the rehabilitation of the export coal trade from any body of owners or merchants or representatives of the miners; and, if so, what form these proposals have taken?
§ Mr. E. BROWNIn a memorandum submitted to the Government earlier in the year on the subject of the continuation of Part I of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, the Miners' Federation represented that it was imperative that there should be a national levy for the purpose of facilitating the sale of British coal for export. I have not received any other proposals on this subject, but I understand that it is one of the matters to which I referred in my answer to the hon. Member's previous question as being 171 under discussion between the Central Council of Coal Owners and the District Executive Boards.
§ Mr. MARTINIn view of the complaints which are widespread and which have been given great publicity as to evasions of Part I of the 1932 Act, cannot the hon. Member make some statement which will satisfy all the exporters of coal in the exporting districts?
§ Mr. BROWNI think the hon. Member will agree that it would be most ill-advised to make such a statement before we get the report containing the suggestions of those who are charged with the duty of administering the Act.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Member satisfied that Durham and Scotland are carrying out the intention and purpose of Part I of the Mines Act in regard to the fixation of prices?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Member seeking such information as will enable him to form a final judgment in order to make a recommendation to the Government as to the future action they should take?
Miss WARDCan the hon. Member say whether the evasions of Part I are such as to warrant the Government in taking action in those cases?
§ Mr. DICKIEIs there not almost universal agreement that it is time the export trade was freed from the restrictions and shackles of the Coal Mines Act of 1931?