§ 3. Mr. GEORGE HALLasked the Secretary for Mines if he will state the amount paid in royalties and wayleaves by the mining industry in South Wales and Monmouthshire during the years 1927, 1928, 1931, and 1932, and the amount paid by the industry for local rates over the same period?
§ Mr. E. BROWNDuring the years ended January, 1928, 1929, 1932 and 1933, the estimated amounts paid by colliery owners in South Wales and Monmouthshire in royalties and wayleaves, including the rental value of freehold minerals where worked by the proprietors, were £1,602,000, £1,414,000, £1,279,000 and £1,141,000, respectively. The figures in respect of local rates for all purposes for the same periods were £783,000, £1,134,000, £246,000 and £210,000, respectively.
§ Mr. ERNEST EVANSWill the hon. Gentleman's Department inquiry into the question of the large number of royalties and wayleaves, which are most extravagant in view of the present conditions prevailing?