§ 3. Mr. Leslie (forasked the Secretary for Mines, seeing that there are a number of collieries in the county of Durham now closed from which coal could be produced, whether any steps can be taken by his Department to bring these pits into production since many more factories will be in production in the near future for turning out munitions of war purposes for which additional coal will be required?
§ Mr. GrenfellI view of the general shortage of labour, it is the policy of the Mines Department and of the Coal Production Council to ensure that the available man-power is employed to the best advantage in those mines already in operation rather than encourage the reopening of additional collieries.
§ Mr. LeslieIs my hon. Friend aware that certain pits are flooded and they are only able to work the top seam at present?
§ Sir William DavisonWhat is a coal merchant to do when a colliery with which he has placed his contracts has been commandeered and he is unable to supply his customers?
§ Mr. GrenfellThat is another matter.