§ 28. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will make a statement concerning the closing down of Exhall colliery; how many men have been thrown out of work by the closing down; and what prospect there is of their obtaining employment?
§ Captain CrookshankI am informed that the closing of this colliery is due to economic reasons. The normal complement of men employed there has been 690 underground and 250 on the surface, but at present the numbers are 150 and 40 respectively. I understand that the whole colliery will be probably closed by July. With regard to the last part of the question, there is reason to hope that a considerable number of the men concerned may be offered employment at neighbouring collieries.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherCan the hon. and gallant Member give some explanation of the phrase used in the reply that the closing of the pit has been due to the "economic situation?"
§ Captain CrookshankI said "economic reasons." I think that is a perfectly normal connotation.
§ Mr. HoldsworthCan the hon. and gallant Member say whether the colliery will be able to pay dividends by selling its quota, and not producing coal?