14. Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Secretary for Mines whether any arrangements have yet been made with a view to the opening of mines now standing idle in the county of Durham, and to making them ready for the production of coal?
§ Mr. LloydThe question of increasing the production of coal, including the possible re-opening of closed pits, is constantly under review, but the first step is to secure that the mines now in production shall be assured of outlets for their full productive capacity.
Mr. StewartIs it the intention of the hon. Gentleman's Department to open those collieries in the immediate future, or is it proposed to wait until the war is over before they are dealt with?
§ Mr. LloydIt is important to bear in mind also the question of securing the full-time working of the pits.
Mr. StewartIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are over 14,000,000 tons of coal lying waterlogged in Durham and that no effort is being made by his Department to get it?
§ Mr. LawsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the scheme for de-watering the coal in South-West Durham was practically settled, but the Special Areas Commissioner would not grant the amount of their share of the money necessary completely to pump out this area? A vast amount of coal will be wasted and men will be unemployed in an area in which men should be employed.
§ Mr. LloydI am looking into this question, with a view to action being taken when the coal is being worked at the Durham pits. The hon. Member will agree that the question is not so urgent at present, when short time is being worked.
§ Mr. LawsonThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that this question has been urgent for some time.