7, 8 and 9. Mrs. WARDasked the Secretary for Mines (Z) the present position in the Cannock Chase coalfield, with regard to the activities of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission;
(2) If he is in a position to state the number of collieries that will be closed down as a result of the proposals of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission; how many miners will be affected; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the position of these displaced miners;
(3) If he is now in a position to give any details of the proposals of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission for the amalgamation of collieries in the Cannock Chase coalfield; if all the collieries are to be included in the scheme; and, if not, what is to happen to those collieries which are left outside?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)I am proposing to lay on the Table, before the House rises, a report which I have received from the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission, containing the latest information at my disposal.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONWill the hon. Gentleman give an opportunity to the House to discuss this report?
§ Mr. T. SMITHCan the hon. Gentleman make any statement as to the period that the report will cover?
§ Mr. BROWNThe report will cover the whole of the three years' work, and will survey the whole field.