§ Mr. DUNNICOasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is in a position to state when the Royal Commission on Mining Subsidence, which held its first meeting more than two years ago, is likely to issue its Report?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI understand that the Commission are presenting an Interim Report which will be submitted to His Majesty in the course of a few days.
§ Mr. DUNNICOasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, arising out of the decision of the Consett Co-operative Society v. the Consett Iron Company, many colliery companies are repudiating liability for damage done to property on Lanchester Common; that the majority of houses on this common are owned by miners who have invested their savings therein; and whether, in view of the present position, he contemplates introducing legislation to repeal the Act of 1773, and thus enable these miners to recover compensation for damage caused by subsidence?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI have no information that claims for damage to property on Lanchester Common are being dealt with since the decision referred to in any different way from that in which they were dealt with before. As the hon. Member is aware, the whole problem of subsidence and the operation of the law of support is under consideration by a Royal Commission, and I cannot anticipate their findings.