§ 6. Sir William Jenkinsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that all the collieries in the mining district of Brynman in the Pontarda we Rural Council area have been closed down, making the district derelict; and will he ascertain what area of coal is unworked, and take steps to re-open these collieries with a view to producing coal to meet the needs of the nation. and to finding employment for a large number of persons who are unable to get work in the area?
§ Mr. LloydI am advised that the workable seams in the district have been worked from the outcrop and that they have gradually closed down as they became exhausted or unremunerative, it is not considered that there remain any appreciable areas of workable coal which would justify the re-opening of any of the old outcrop mines even at the present time, nor would any such re-opening result in the employment of a large number of persons.
§ Mr. James GriffithsIs the Minister correctly informed that there is no appreciable reserve in this area, and will he make further inquiry to find out whether there is any appreciable reserve there?