§ 12 and 13. Mr. Mathersasked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) what was the average weekly loss incurred at Fauldhouse Colliery during the 12 months preceding the date of its being closed for the production of coal; and what amount of this loss was due to breakdowns of machinery and similar causes;
(2) what is the weekly cost incurred in using Fauldhouse Colliery as a training place for young miners; and whether it is possible to reduce the cost by producing coal as part of the training.
§ Mr. GaitskellAs regards losses incurred prior to the closure of Fauldhouse Colliery in April, 1946, I have no more detailed information than was given by my predecessor when he stated, in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend on 16th April, 1946, that the maintenance of this colliery in production had cost the Coal 1426 Charges Account £190,000 since 1942; nor have I any information as to the weekly cost of maintaining it as a group centre for preliminary training required by the Training Regulations before a person can be employed below ground. As preliminary training does not include training on work at the coal face, it would not be possible to produce coal as part of the training process.
§ Mr. MathersWill my right hon. Friend examine the figures of production from the colliery prior to its being closed—I consider unjustifiably—when he will find that, notwithstanding all the difficulties, the colliery was producing up to a standard comparable with, and indeed better than, other pits in the vicinity? Regarding the second Question and the prospect of the coal which is there being brought to the surface, is anything going to be done to exploit that area of coal?
§ Mr. GaitskellI am aware of my hon. Friend's views regarding this colliery, but it was closed two years ago and the question of whether it should be opened is entirely one for the Coal Board.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware that the closing of this pit has brought great hardship to that particular community and that a general feeling exists that a good amount of coal is there and that every effort should be made to reopen the pit?
§ Mr. GaitskellNo, Sir. We have had the full support of the National Union of Mineworkers.
§ Mr. MathersI wish to press my right hon. Friend regarding the suggestion of mining some of this coal from the surface and not through the existing shaft. When will that be proceeded with?
§ Mr. GaitskellIf there is a possibility of opencast production, I will certainly look into it.