§ 60. Mr. Tinkerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is in a position to state what is the intention of the owners of Westleigh collieries regarding the opening of the collieries which have been stopped several months?
§ Commander Southby (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply as my hon. and gallant Friend is detained elsewhere at important meetings. He is informed by the colliery company that negotiations are still continuing.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that the closing down of pits lead to the creation of depressed 533 areas, and will he ask his hon. and gallant Friend to pay attention to this matter and consult the Cabinet to put a stop to it?
§ Commander SouthbyI will convey the hon. Member's remarks to my hon. and gallant Friend.