§ 70. Mr. Tinkerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that Westleigh collieries, which closed down a few weeks ago, have not re-started; and, in view of the demand for coal now above the present supply, he will communicate with the owners of Westleigh collieries to find out when it is their intention to re-open them?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I have made further inquiry, and I understand that the negotiations between the management and the workmen, to which I referred in the answer which I gave to the hon. Member last week, are still in progress.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the Minister aware that from inquiries made, there is no truth in that statement, and that the owners have not attempted to negotiate, and can he do anything to get the two parties together?
§ Captain CrookshankAs our information is contradictory, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will have a word with me.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIs it not possible for the Minister to get in touch with the Minister of Labour to see whether they cannot avoid the consequences of closing down the pit?
§ Mr. G. GriffithsCannot the Minister get in touch with the trustees of the Nuffield Trust so that they can help this pit as they did at Whitehaven?
§ Mr. TinkerIn view of the unsatisfactory reply, and the fact that 1,300 men are out of work, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.