71. Mr. Daģ ģarasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether after the termination of the considerations and consultations now taking place regarding the question of subsidence in the mining areas of Great Britain between the Ministry of Fuel and Power and the other Departments concerned, it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. T. SmithAs the hon. Member is aware, this question is being re-examined but my right hon. and gallant Friend cannot give any pledge in advance as to the introduction of legislation after the war.
Mr. Daģ ģarOn a point of Order. In order to relieve the Prime Minister of the obligation to answer this Question I put it to the Lord President of the Council. It was transferred to the Prime Minister and from him to the Department of my hon. Friend. May I have an answer to this Question as to whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation embodying the conclusions reached after this consideration and these consultations have come to an end?
§ Mr. SmithAs I assured my hon. Friend last week, this matter is being looked into departmentally. Until we get a report and conclusions no one can say whether legislation will follow or not.
Mr. Daģ ģarIs my hon. Friend aware that this answer to the Question last week suggested that the matter was one for another Department? Now that it has been transferred to him may I ask him whether it is intended to introduce legislation?
§ Mr. SmithI think my hon. Friend must have misunderstood the position. In discussing mining subsidence consultations must take place with other Departments and until these have taken place it cannot be decided whether legislation will be introduced.
Mr. Daģ ģarI beg to give notice that I propose to raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.