COAL MINES, DURHAM (DRAINAGE).

HC Deb 25 November 1937 vol 329 c1375

3. Mr. Sexton

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in the further inquiry into coal mine drainage in South-West Durham?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)

The South-West Durham Reconstruction and Development Board accepted an offer of the Commissioner for the Special Areas to meet the cost of a detailed survey of the problem of the prevention of the inflow of water into the colliery workings from the River Gaunless, and I understand that the report will be received by the board in the near future.

Mr. Sexton

Will the report be available to Members of the House?

Mr. Brown

I should like to inquire into that. I am not quite sure.

Mr. Batey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have been waiting for this report for a very long time?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member will understand—none better than he I am sure—how difficult this problem is, and how essential it is to get accurate information before any action is taken on the report.