§ 39. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the appointment of a receiver for the Welsh Anthracite Collieries, Limited; and, as this company owns a number of collieries giving employment to about 2,000 workmen, what steps he proposes to take to secure that the collieries are kept working, and the employment of the men and the livelihood of several communities are safeguarded?
§ Captain CrookshankThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand, however, that no change in the matter of employment has resulted from the appointment of a receiver for this Company. Of the four pits owned by the company, three, employing about 1,000 men, are still at work. The fourth, which normally employs about 290 men, was and still is standing on account of lack of trade. I am afraid that the matter is not one in which I have any power to assist.
§ Mr. GriffithsWhile appreciating that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has no actual power, is not his Department taking an active interest in the matter, and will he not take steps in time to prevent collieries closing down?
§ Captain CrookshankIf the hon. Member can suggest how I can prevent a colliery closing down when it has decided to do so, I shall be interested to know. I have no power to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries into the circumstances in which this colliery has been put into the hands of a receiver?
§ Captain CrookshankAs far as my information goes, the closing of the pit is on account of lack of trade.