§ Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the present position of Peel Hall Collieries, Little Hulton, near Bolton, which have been stopped since April, 1941, through shortage of man-power; that instructions have been given to fill up the shafts and if this is done it will mean the loss of many valuable seams of coal that can be worked from the present shafts when things become normal again; and will he have the position examined.
§ Mr. T. SmithYes, Sir. I am aware that this colliery closed in 1941 owing to lack of man-power. Since that date the Company have surrendered the lease and under the terms of that lease are now filling up the shafts. I understand, however, that if occasion arises to work the828W coal, access to it is not dependent on the shafts at Peel Hall.