§ 79. Mr. Tinkerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the distress caused by the stoppage of Westleigh collieries; and can he give any further information as to when they will be restarted?
§ Captain CrookshankThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I can at present add nothing to the answer given to the hon. Member last Thursday.
§ Mr. TinkerIf I repeat the question after Whitsuntide, will the Minister try in the meantime to get something definite from this colliery company because we would like to know what the position is?
§ Captain CrookshankI would remind the hon. Member that I can only obtain 1248 any information on this subject through the courtesy of the company concerned, and they have already stated that they hope to reopen and are in negotiation to that end.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIn view of the serious distress caused in the neighbourhood of these collieries, will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to repeat his question to the company so that if there is any hope it will be given to the people living there.
§ Mr. TinkerWill the hon. Gentleman try in the meantime to get to know something definite? I know his position, but a word from him will get a reply more quickly than a word from anybody else.
§ Captain CrookshankI am always trying to do a great number of things, but this is not a matter in which I can myself do anything.