§ Mr. D. GRAHAMasked the Secretary for Mines whether any arrangements have yet been made between his Department and the coalowners in the Cambuslang district of Lanarkshire with respect to the unwatering of that area; if so, what these arrangements are; and whether there is any likelihood within a reasonable time of his Department or the coal-owners in the above area taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the men employed in the neighbouring collieries?
§ Mr. SHINWELLNo, Sir. The mine-owners concerned, having failed to arrive at any voluntary arrangement for dealing with the accumulation of water in question, I informed them that I should be obliged to exercise my powers under Section 18 of the Mining Industry Act to put into force a drainage scheme. With that end in view I appointed a mining engineer in July last to investigate the problem and to submit proposals. The problem is not easy, and some delay has been caused owing to efforts to arrive at a scheme acceptable to all parties, but the matter is proceeding, and it is my intention to deal with it as expeditiously as possible.