§ 46. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the opinion expressed by the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission in their Report that the present system of mineral ownerships stands in the way of effective reorganisation of the mining industry, any legislation is contemplated in the near future to deal with the question of mining royalties?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe opinion expressed by the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission will be considered by the Government; but in any case pressure on Parliamentary time would make legislation in the near future difficult.
§ Mr. SMITHCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether we can expect in a reasonably short time any decision on this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe main and immediate part of the Commission's report is on another matter, and we should like to see what comes of it before taking further action.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs there not a stronger case for abolishing the Commission than for abolishing mining royalties?