HC Deb 19 January 1943 vol 386 cc72-3W
Mr. Thorne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can give details of why the Government decided to take over the Nottingham and Clifton Colliery; whether it had been badly managed; who will be the new manager; how many men were employed at the pit below and on the top; the number of tons of coal produced weekly; whether it is house coal or steam coal; what rate of pay will the men get working below ground and on the top; will they be paid weekly; and what amount of compensation was paid to the owners?

Major Lyons

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what reasons made it necessary to acquire the shares of the Clifton Colliery, Nottingham, in addition to the assumption of management?

Major Lloyd George

In order to keep the Clifton Colliery in production and safeguard supplies essential to the city of Nottingham, certain trading losses of this company had been met from public funds since September, 1941. On 4th November, 1942, an authorised controller was appointed under Defence Regulation 55 whose duty it was to endeavour, by improvements in management and mining practice, to secure the maximum output in return for the continuing expenditure of public moneys in carrying on this undertaking. At the same time, Mr. J. T. Dixon was appointed as manager of the company. Effective control could not, however, be secured while there existed an issue of debentures (with arrears of interest) whose holders were entitled at any time to appoint a Receiver and thus render the authorised controller powerless to act. I therefore decided, with the consent of the Treasury, to make an Order under Defence Regulation 78 transferring the shares in the company to my nominees. The replies to the further detailed questions by the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) are as follow:

The number of men employed is about 425 underground and about 120 on the surface. The weekly production is about 3,300 tons. The coal produced is mainly steam coal for industrial purposes. The men receive wages fixed in accordance with the Nottingham District Agreement and are being paid weekly as heretofore. The amount payable to the former shareholders will, in accordance with the provisions of Defence Regulation 78, be assessed by the Treasury.