§ 23. Mr. Barrasked the Secretary for Mines to what depths the waterlogged coal mines of the Airdrie district could be drained by gravitation with an exit at the lowest possible level?
§ Captain CrookshankI am afraid that this matter is too detailed to deal with within the limits of question and answer. I am sending the hon. Member such information as I have been able to obtain.
§ Mr. HardieIs it not a fact that the Mines Department already have reports 158 from Glasgow mining engineers on the subject of de-watering the mines by gravitation and statements of the depths, etc., and do the Government intend to take any steps to clear the mines of water in view of the demand for coal?
§ Captain CrookshankThat is quite a different question. The original question asked about the depths.
§ Mr. HardieAnd what I am asking is whether the Secretary for Mines is not aware of the reports in existence showing the depths as measured by competent mining engineers in the city of Glasgow? Cannot the Government say what steps they are going to take in order to get at the coal lying there, seeing that there is a great shortage of coal? Surely the Minister should be able to tell us that.
§ Captain CrookshankThe hon. Member's supplementary question bears out my answer, that this is too detailed a matter to be dealt with within the limits of questions and answers.
§ Mr. HardieWhat detail is there to prevent the Minister saying ' Yes "or" No "to whether the Government are going to take action?