HC Deb 19 February 1941 vol 369 c145
33. Mr. Tinker

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the notification from the Peel Hall Collieries that they are on the point of closing their collieries; and whether he will have inquiries made to find out the circumstances, and see what can be done to prevent this taking place?

The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)

I have been inquiring fully into the circumstances of Peel Hall Collieries, Limited, and am now considering what steps, if any, I can usefully take to meet an admittedly difficult situation.

Mr. Tinker

Will the Minister consult with the miners' side, and if I put down a Question later, will he be prepared to answer it?

Mr. Grenfell

There has been no dispute with the workmen. The difficulty here is largely a financial one, which has been in existence for a long time, and also the fact that this company has lost 200 of its workmen in the last two months and is unable to get sufficient workmen to work the colliery.

Mr. Gordon Macdonald

Is the Minister not aware that it is now seven months since this matter was taken to his Department, and that he received a deputation last June? What is the reason for the delay?