§ 32. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Secretary for Mines the amount paid in Great Britain in the year 1931 in mining royalties; the number of persons in receipt of income from wayleaves and royalties; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to buy out the royalty owners?
§ Mr. E. BROWNDuring the year 1931, the estimated total amount payable as coal mining royalties and wayleaves, including the rental value of freehold minerals where worked by the proprietors, was £5,100,000, and, according to the latest information available, the number of persons receiving such royalties and wayleaves was approximately 3,800. I am unable to make any statement with regard to possible legislation.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the hon. Gentleman seriously consider taking some steps to remove this monstrous charge on the coal industry?
§ Mr. BROWNI will have regard to what the hon. Member says, but when I sat on the other side of the House recently I wondered why it was not done then.
§ Mr. PIKEWill the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of lending the necessary funds to the trade unions so that they can purchase the royalties?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that Part II of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, as amended in 1932 is useless until the royalties are nationalised?
§ Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISIs the cost of coal likely to be reduced by purchasing out the royalty owners?
§ Mr. MARTINIs it not a fact that most of the royalty owners would be only too glad to be paid out?