§ 21. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary for Mines whether any steps are being taken to compensate aged miners for their arduous service by the establishment of retiring pensions which will make it unnecessary to appeal to the public assistance authority; and whether he will take steps to secure a contribution towards such a pension from the royalty owners in any settlement of their claim for compensation for loss of royalties?
§ Captain CrookshankThe hon. Member will be aware that a pension scheme for aged miners is under consideration in South Wales: but I am not aware of any similar development elsewhere. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. LawsonWill the Minister not see that consideration is given to this matter 161 when a great change is contemplated in regard to mining royalties; does he not think that the miners have made their contribution towards the royalties and are entitled to some consideration?