§ 70. Mr. Leatherasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will make a statement on the terms of compensation owing to the owners of the Marsh Lane Colliery, Somerset, and when these men can expect any payment.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)Under the terms of the Act of 1946, the compensation owing to the Marsh Lane Colliery is their share of the aggregate awarded to the Somerset District by the Central Valuation Board. This aggregate is to be divided among the claimants in the district in proportion to a valuation of their respective interests by the District Valuation Board. Until all the valuations in the district have been completed, the amount due to each claimant cannot be known. I regret that I cannot tell the hon. Member when the valuation of all the interests in the district will be completed, nor, therefore, when the compensation can be paid.
§ Mr. LeatherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the owners of this pit are in an exceptional position in that they are a small group of miners who have worked it co-operatively for years and are now all of an advanced age? If something cannot be done for them shortly it will be too late to be of any use to them in this world.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIt is possible to make partial advances, and I hope that the hon. Member will advise the owners to apply to my Ministry to that end.