HC Deb 11 December 1934 vol 296 c189
16. Mr. D. DAVIES

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the danger of water accumulation resulting from the closing down of collieries in the South Wales coalfield; and whether he can indicate the steps he proposes to take to protect the mine workers from such danger?

Mr. E. BROWN

In February last I received representatives of the South Wales coalowners, and in March the coal-owners set up a committee, called the South Wales Coafield Drainage Inquiry Committee, for the purposes of making a complete inquiry into the whole subject, and thereafter reporting to the Government.

Mr. G. HALL

Has the committee's report been received?

Mr. BROWN

I think that the committee have completed their investigations, but I have not received the communication yet.

Mr. DAVIES

Is the Minister aware of the potential danger of the old abandoned workings being struck into by workings that are now in operation, and, in view of the fact that last year there were five inundations of water in my constituency, will the Minister take steps to see that the regulations are carried out?

Mr. BROWN

In the conference I had with the South Wales coalowners in February last year, the whole of the ground was surveyed, and, as a result, this action was taken.