§ 26. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will introduce legislation to amend the Coal Mining (Subsidence) Act, 1950, so as to make the National Coal Board responsible for removal costs incurred by persons whose houses are made uninhabitable either by the nature of the subsidence or by the nature of the repairs being effected.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydNo, Sir.
§ Mr. SwinglerHas not the Minister learned anything since he gave me that information? Is it not a fact that about a week ago he had the experience, in my constituency, of seeing what is happening in relation to this matter? Did he not give an undertaking to my constituents to make further inquiries into the circumstances in which they have been placed, as a result of their houses being made uninhabitable? Will he now look at the matter again?
§ Mr. LloydWhen I was in the constituency of the hon. Member I was asked to see a particular case of subsidence and, as I had time to go there, I did so. I have made inquiries which have led me to the conclusion that in this matter I must support the decision of the previous Government.
§ 33. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is now in a position to make a further reply to the letter, dated 8th October, from the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme about mining subsidence in Kinsey Street, Silverdale.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydI understand the hon. Member has received a further reply from the Chairman of the Coal Board.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the Minister aware that he would not have got away from my constituency so easily last week if he had given such an answer there? Is he aware that the Coal Board is unable to carry out its statutory responsibility in repairing houses so badly damaged that the repair work would make them uninhabitable, because people cannot afford to pay removal costs, a mortgage, and a council house rent at the same time? Unless he gives a general direction to the Coal Board to cover these additional costs, the statutory responsibilities of the N.C.B. cannot be carried out. What does he intend to do about it?
§ Mr. LloydThe responsibility of the Coal Board is limited under the Act which was passed by the previous Government and it is not within my power to alter it.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the Minister aware that he has the power to give a general direction to the Coal Board under the Act? He has the power to direct that they should cover costs which arise directly from mining subsidence. Will he reconsider the matter and give a general direction?
§ Mr. SwinglerIn view of the Minister's unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.