§ 2. Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAMasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the owners of Whistleberry Colliery, Blantyre, have closed down the colliery in consequence of the excessive inflow of water; whether the water is coming from other collieries already closed down; whether his Department has made, or will make, inquiry into the effect it is likely to have on neighbouring collieries; and whether any action will be taken by his Department to deal with the matter?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI am informed that Whistleberry Colliery forms one mine with Greenfield Colliery, which was abandoned last February, and that it is likely to be closed down finally in the near future. I understand that the reason for the closing of both these collieries is not the inflow of water, but the exhaustion of the seams. The stoppage of Auchinraith Colliery, a year or two ago, to some extent increased the flow of water to Whistleberry, and the discontinuance of pumping at Whistleberry may affect the amount of water to be pumped at neighbouring mines. This possibility, however, has, I am informed, been foreseen and prepared for already by the provision of additional pumping plant; and in any case the amount of water to be dealt with is comparatively small. With reference to the last part of the question, there does not appear to be any ground for action on the part of my Department. No issue of safety is involved.
§ Mr. GRAHAMAs quite a number of collieries in that area have closed down recently, is it not advisable that the inspectors of the Department should make a special inquiry?