HC Deb 17 May 1934 vol 289 cc1941-2
66. Mr. HALES

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, having regard to the damage done to property owing to mining operations in North Staffordshire and other parts of the country, he will consider the advisability of bringing in a Bill levying a small tax on each ton of coal raised to the surface to be used as a reserve fund for the compensation of property owners whose buildings have been damaged owing to mining operations?

Mr. E. BROWN

No, Sir. I cannot agree that this proposal offers a practical solution of the problem. My hon. Friend will find the difficulties of any such scheme dealt with in detail on pages 50–52 of the Final Report of the Royal Commission on Mining Subsidence, published in June, 1927.

Mr. HALES

Is my hon. Friend aware that the damage is of the most serious description, and, in view of the fact that it has affected four churches, two town halls, two markets, a museum, and an art school, causing damage to the amount of about £200,000, will the hon. Member discuss with we whether something cannot be done?

Mr. BROWN

I shall be very glad to discuss matters with the hon. Member, but I must warn him that it will be a very difficult and complicated discussion.

Mr. T. SMITH

Could not this tax-be levied on the royalty owners and not on the mine owners?