§ 31. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary for Mines the present position with regard to the work of the South Staffordshire Mines Drainage Board; the amounts collected during the last three years and up to the last available date this year; the names of the officials responsible for the administration; and whether, in view of the fact that no services are being rendered in return for the rates levied, he will now take steps to abolish the levy altogether?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)I have no recent information in regard to the South Staffordshire Mines Drainage Board generally, but the amounts collected during the last three years in respect of the Tipton District Mines Drainage Rate have varied, in six-monthly periods. from £110 to about £30 or even less. I will send my hon. Friend the full figures. I am unable to state the names of the officials responsible for the administration. I am informed that Mr. Howl, the Receiver, died last month: since then correspondence has taken place with Mr. William Purslow, of the same address as Mr. Howl. A firm of solicitors acting for certain colliery owners have recently approached my Department and a meeting with them to discuss the position has been arranged for this afternoon.
§ Mr. MANDERWill my hon. Friend consider whether this is not a suitable opportunity to bring this piece of administration to an end?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member will understand that this is a complicated business and that the body concerned is a statutory body for which I am not directly responsible.