§ 39. Captain PLUGGEasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that 1421 the major consuming interests object to the personnel of the committees of investigation set up under the Coal Mines Act, 1930, on the grounds that they are not independent, that their powers are inadequate, and their procedure cumbersome; and whether he will strengthen the personnel of these committees and also provide them with additional powers and more effective procedure to provide a remedy for the dissatisfaction which has arisen in connection with the District Coal Orders now before Parliament?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)Yes, Sir. While fully appreciative of the excellent work which the committees of investigation and their chairmen have done in the past, I came to the conclusion some time ago that, in view of the different type of work which is likely to fall on the committees after the 1st August, it was necessary to give them a more judicial character, and the chairman of each committee will in future be a member of the legal profession. It is also intended, in forthcoming legislation for extending the life of Part I of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, to propose some alterations in the functions of the committees of investigation in order to secure more prompt and more effective decisions in the event of complaints being made that the Schemes are being unfairly used.
§ Captain PLUGGEWhile thanking my hon. and gallant Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he proposes to publish a White Paper setting out in detail the safeguards which he proposes?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNo, Sir; there is no occasion for that at all. I merely said that in future the chairman will be a member of the legal profession. There will be a discussion on this subject on Wednesday, when the point can be raised.
§ Mr. SHINWELLCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when the amending legislation will be introduced?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe hon. Gentleman knows that that Bill is now before the House.
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSDo I understand that on Wednesday my hon. and gallant Friend is going to outline the proposed new safeguards? Would it not be possible, in order that we may appreciate them, to circulate a statement in advance, 1422 so as to facilitate the Debate on Wednesday?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI merely said that there will be some alterations with regard to the functions of the committees, in order that their decisions may be more prompt and more effective. That was all that I said.