§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of pits at which pumping is not being carried on, specifying the causes in each case; the number at which military or naval protection is being still afforded; and the latest return of mines which can be regarded as definitely abandoned?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe number of pits at which the winding or pumping of water is necessary but is not at present being carried on is about 80. The cause in the majority of cases is that sufficient workers of the necessary experience and skill are not available, or for various reasons cannot be utilised. The number of pits at which military or naval protection is being still afforded is 48. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Sir A. Fell) on the 11th April.