§ 8. Mr. Prydeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department intends to take to provide social amenities in the rapidly developing mining area of Newtongrange, Midlothian.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartThe Scottish Divisional Miners' Welfare Committee have applied for grants under the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937, towards the cost of providing community centres at a number of places where coal production is expanding, including Newtongrange. Approval has been given, and grants have been offered, for five schemes where the Divisional Welfare Committee regard the need as most urgent. Resources are limited, and I cannot yet say when it will be possible to assist the Newtongrange project.
§ Mr. PrydeIs the Minister aware that this district holds the oldest charter for mining in Scotland and that amenities there are far fewer than in the more modern areas?