§ Mr. R. C. MORRISONasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the frequent appeals received by local authorities to make donations to special funds for mitigating distress due to mining disasters; and, in view of the difficulties likely to arise from an extension of this practice, will he take steps to establish a national fund for this purpose?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the question and am glad to have the opportunity of testifying to the generosity with which local authorities and the public throughout the country contribute towards mining disaster relief funds. With regard to the second part of the question, I am by no means certain that a large national fund for this purpose would be in the real interests of the beneficiaries. The hon. Member will realise that his proposal could not be confined to colliery disaster funds.