HC Deb 12 April 1934 vol 288 cc466-7
59. Miss WARD

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet had any negotiations with the Central Council of the Mining Association of such a nature as to warrant the withdrawal of the Coal Mines Bill designed to amend Part I of the Act of 1930?

61. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is intended to proceed further with the Coal Mines Bill?

63. Mr. BATEY

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Government intends to proceed with the amendments to Part I of the Coal Mines Act, 1930; and, if not, can he state what opportunities the House will have to discuss necessary amendments to the 1930 Act?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I understand that agreement has been reached by the Central Council of Coalowners, but until I have received assurances from that Council, and from all the districts, that the respective schemes will be amended in a manner considered satisfactory by the Government, there can be no question of delaying or withdrawing the Coal Mines Bill.

Miss WARD

May I ask when the hon. Member is likely to be able to make a statement?

Mr. BROWN

I think that the districts will complete their discussions in about a week's time.

Mr. SMITH

Are we to take it that the hon. Member will make a statement with regard to this matter?

Mr. BROWN

If a question is put down.