HC Deb 21 March 1939 vol 345 cc1102-3
23. Mr. R. Gibson (for Mr. E. J. Williams)

asked the Secretary for Mines, whether he is aware that North's Navigation collieries has given notice to 400 at their Caerau pit; that if the notices take effect a township will be derelect; and what steps he proposes to deal with this serious matter?

Mr. Cross

The attention of my right hon. and gallant Friend has been drawn to the tendering of notices at the colliery and to the serious consequences which their effect would have on the district. The services of his Department are available, if desired by the parties, in any attempt which may be made to deal with the position.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the 41st pit closed in South Wales in the last 12 months and that this means that 12,000 miners have lost their employment?

Mr. T. Smith

Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell us whether the conciliation officers department has been consulted?

Mr. Davidson

Does the reply mean that the Department are waiting upon applications being made to them for assistance instead of taking steps on their own initiative?

Mr. Cross

The Department cannot take any steps in this matter except upon application to them.

Quantity and the Average Value per ton (f.o.b.) of Coal Exported from the Humber Ports during the six months ended February, 1939, and 1931.
Port. September, 1938, to February, 1939. September, 1930, to February, 1931.*
Quantity. Average Declared Value per ton. (f.o.b.) Quantity. Average Declared Value per ton. (f.o.b.)
Tons. s. d. Tons. s. d.
Goole … 390,573 20 8 750,728 13 6
Grimsby … 40,102 19 0 123,049 14 2
Immingham … 954,671 20 5 1,133,552 13 4
Hull … 435,568 21 2 1,002,408 14 2
Total … 1,820,914 20 7 3,009,737 13 8
* It should be noted that the figures for September to December, 1930, were affected by the Central Collieries Commercial Association's Voluntary Scheme.