HC Deb 19 December 1933 vol 284 cc1093-4
15. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that a part of Stott's Pit, Westhoughton, has recently been flooded; that the Westhoughton Colliery Company had agreed to discuss a possible co-operative pumping scheme for the area; that the Wigan Coal Corporation, which is involved in this difficulty, would not agree; and whether, in view of the continued danger to this and the several colliery undertakings in Westhoughton and neighbourhood, he will take action to prevent the serious economic consequences which are feared in that district?

Mr. E. BROWN

The answer to the first three parts of the question is, yes. With regard to the last part, my Department has kept closely in touch with the position, but the hon. Member knows how very limited my powers are. The matter is primarily one for solution by the owners of the mines concerned, but I shall always be ready to help in any way I can.

Mr. DAVIES

Seeing that the hon. Gentleman and his Department have no power to bring these parties together with the view of a co-operative pumping scheme, does he not think that, as a deadlock has arisen, he ought to seek Parliamentary powers in order to see what can be done to remove such deadlocks?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member will understand that that question raises a very wide issue, and goes much further than this particular case.

Mr. TINKER

Is the Minister not aware that unless some action is taken in this case, the flooding may spread to other mines in the area and stop them? Is it not time that the Mines Department asked for some further powers to deal with a position like this?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member knows that we have discussed this question with him very minutely. We are well aware of the facts.

Mr. DAVIES

In view of the threat of this water to other pits in the same area, does the Minister not think that he ought to secure power from Parliament to take action in cases like this?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member knows that I shall be glad to help in any way I can, but he is flow asking for something much wider than dealing with this particular case.