HC Deb 04 May 1939 vol 346 cc2072-3
75. Mr. Holdsworth

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the Coal Commission is about to issue to all colliery owners forms demanding detailed information, the compilation of which will involve a large increase of work for office staffs; and whether, in view of the international situation, the amount of work devolving on colliery officials through air raid precautions and recruiting, and the depleting of staffs which will result from the introduction of compulsory service, he will postpone until a more opportune time asking colliery owners to embark on the collation of data which would be useless and immediately scrapped in the event of an emergency?

Mr. Stanley

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that the Coal Commission propose to collect certain information in relation to their duties under Part 2of the Coal Act, 1938, and that they are in consultation with the Mining Association in the matter.