§ Mr. E. Smithasked the Secretary for Mines why four collieries remain closed in the North Staffordshire area; why the Kidsgrove colliery remains closed, seeing that it was included in the last survey and was shown to be the centre of a valuable seam; and, in view of the contents of the coal in this area and of the thickness of the seams maintained over a large area, what action is it intended to take in order to start a more scientific utilisation of the coal?
2184WEngland and Wales, county by county, during the years 1924 and 1938, respectively; and the number of tons of coal produced in each county during the same period?
§ Mr. LloydA number of pits have been closed in the North Staffordshire area during the last 18 months, and if the hon. Member will let me know the names of the four collieries he has in mind I will have inquiries made. The Kidsgrove colliery was abandoned in 1931 because it was unprofitable, and has not been worked since. Pumping was continued for two years, but the water has since been allowed to rise and the shafts are now full of water. As regards the last part of the question I would point out that the 2185W percentage of the national output of coal supplied by the North Staffordshire coal-field has been increasing in recent years.
§ Mr. E. Smithasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the approximate net coal resources now available in the North Staffordshire area based upon the findings of the Royal Commission of 1905; in what part of the area is it proposed to sink new shafts or tap new seams; is he aware that the coal contains a high percentage of sulphur and other contents; that there are bituminous and semi-bituminous seams; that there are thick seams over a considerable area yet to be worked; that the coal is rich in contents suitable for the production of by-products; and is it intended to erect a plant or plants for the scientific exploitation of the coal and the establishment of subsidiary and ancillary industries?
§ Mr. LloydThe approximate net coal resources now available in the North Staffordshire area based upon the findings of the Royal Commission on Coal Supplies and Resources issued in 1905 would appear to be in the region of 4,000 million tons. I have no information concerning a proposal to sink new shafts. I am aware that the area contains bituminous and semi-bituminous seams, but coals of the anthracite class are absent. One or two of the coals contain such a percentage of sulphur as to make them unsuitable for iron-making or household use. On this account they are not much worked.
As regard the last part of the question these are matters for commercial initiative.