§ 34. Mr. Shortasked the Secretary for Mines the number of colliery undertakings closed down in Yorkshire and the number of workers affected since 1925?
§ Captain CrookshankSince 1st January, 1925, 106 pits in Yorkshire, employing 10 or more men each and in the aggregate 26,100 men, have been closed and not reopened.
§ 36. Mr. Tinkerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that Westleigh colliery, employing 1,300 persons, has closed down recently; and what is the cause and if there is any prospect of it reopening?
§ Captain CrookshankI am informed that this colliery was closed owing to the expense of working it, but, as the pithead gear is not being dismantled nor the pit notified as abandoned, there is some prospect of it being reopened.
§ Mr. TinkerDid the colliery owners send any notification to the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department before they closed down; and, if so, what steps did the Department take to advise them as to what course they should take?
§ Captain CrookshankI should have to have notice of that question.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Wigan coalfield is following the same unhappy course as those of Durham and South Wales?