HC Deb 17 November 1938 vol 341 c1029
24. Mr. Batey

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that more coal pits are being closed in the county of Durham, which makes unemployment in this distressed area worse; and whether he will consider the starting of a public utility company with power to re-open and work some of the closed pits?

Mr. E. Brown

I answered the first part of the hon. Member's question on 3rd November. The answer to the second part is "No, Sir."

Mr. Batey

Does not the Minister think that the time has come when there ought to be a change of Government policy and they ought to try to find work for these men?

Mr. Brown

We are doing that all the time, but the hon. Member asks me whether I will consider the starting of a public utility company, and the answer is "No."