HC Deb 23 January 1941 vol 368 c331W
Mr. Thurtle

asked the Secretary for Mines what results have been achieved by the party of five men appointed by his Department to prospect for coal; the rate of remuneration paid to these men; whether he is satisfied that they all had the necesary technical qualifications for the task given them; and how many of them were of military age?

Mr. Grenfell

If, as I assume, my hon. Friend has in mind Section 2 (2) of the Coal Act, 1938, it was never contemplated that the Coal Commission would exercise their powers to prospect for coal until after the vesting date (fixed by Section 3 (2) of the Act as 1st July, 1942). No staff has, therefore, been engaged for this purpose and no expense incurred.