§ 9. Mr. Alexander Walkdenasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether effect has been given to all the recommendations for improving the coalmining industry contained in the Report thereon of the Royal Commission presided over by Viscount Samuel, which was issued in 1026 [Cmd. 2600].
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)It is not practicable within the limits of Question and Answer to give details, but broadly speaking effect has already been given to most of the Commission's recommendations.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs the Minister aware that scarcely anything has been done in the matter of amalgamation in the last 18 years?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe Coal Commission which, under Part II of the Act, was charged with the duties of amalgamation, as I said in reply to a Question some days ago, decided in its first Report not to proceed with the matter during the war.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman sure that everything possible has been done that should have been done in the last 18 years?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am glad to say that my responsibility does not go quite so far back as that.
§ Mr. Austin HopkinsonWill the Minister pay particular attention to the recommendation of the Samuel Commission which says:
We come reluctantly and unanimously to the conclusion that the costs of production with the present hours and wages are greater than the industry can bear.