HC Deb 25 March 1937 vol 321 cc3067-8
55. Mr. Hardie

asked the Secretary for Mines how many persons were employed in the Scottish coal industry at the latest date for which returns are available; and can he also inform the House what committee controls the production and supply of coal in Scotland?

The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)

At 13th March, 1937, there were 89,000 wage-earners on the colliery books in Scotland. The production and supply of coal in Scotland is controlled by the Scottish Executive Board appointed under the provisions of the Scottish District (Coal Mines) Scheme.

56. Mr. Hardie

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the coal-owners have failed to give Glasgow Corporation adequate deliveries of coal between 31st December, 1936, and 20th March, and that as a result the stocks are so depleted that two of the gasworks will be closed within two weeks, thereby depriving households of gas for cooking and lighting; and what action does the Government propose to take to insure that municipal undertakings will obtain coal in accordance with contracts so that public services can be continued?

Captain Crookshank

I have made inquiries and I am informed that yesterday the colliery owners assured the manager of the corporation gas department that every effort would be made to increase deliveries of coal. It has been pointed out to me, however, that as it was only recently that the corporation ceased to take supplies of surplus coke oven gas, and that as the corporation gas works are still connected with the coke ovens, there should be no question of households being deprived of gas for cooking and lighting.

Mr. Hardie

Is it not a fact that the control mentioned in answer to the first question relates to Government supplies? Is it or is it not part of the work of the committee to see that coal is plentiful for domestic services in Glasgow?

Mr. Bellenger

Can the Minister give any reason for the failure to obtain coal supplies by tender for such a large sum as this?

Captain Crookshank

There is nothing about tendering in the question.

Mr. Hardie

My hon. Friend means the size of the order. Has the committee power to see that domestic supplies, apart from Government supplies, are made available?