Miss WARDasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the judgment recently given by 936 the Railway and Canal Commissioners against Sir Ernest Gowers;and whether he can state what steps the Government proposes to take to ensure that a minority may not hold up the reorganisation of the coal industry?
Mr. T.WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the attitude of his Department towards amalgamation of coal mines, in view of the decision of the Railway and Canal Commission in the case of the West York shire coalowners application; and whether this decision is likely to affect the duties of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission?
§ Mr. MARTINasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of a recent decision of the Railway and Canal Commission, he has any statement to make with regard to the working of Part II of the Mines Act, 1930, and the future of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission?
Mr. E.BROWNIt has not yet been possible to determine the full effect of the judgment delivered last week, and I am unable to make a statement. I understand, however, that the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission is considering a scheme of total amalgamation for sub mission to the Court in the near future.
Miss WARDWhile I appreciate the shortness of time that has elapsed since the judgment was delivered, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that this decision has caused great dismay among people who were hoping for re organisation, and may we not at some time have a statement about Part II of the Act?
Mr. T.WILLIAMSCan the hon. Gentleman make a statement as to the attitude of his Department if a question is put down?
Mr. BROWNWe shall have to weigh over all the facts concerned. If ray hon. Friend would like a statement, I will communicate with him as to the proper time to put down a question.
Colonel CLIFTONBROWNWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that many people who are very much interested in the coal industry would like to see this Commission abolished?