Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Secretary of Mines the number of collieries now closed in the county of Durham from which coal could be produced; and whether any attempt is being made to mine the large area of coal now standing waterlogged in south-west Durham?
§ Mr. GrenfellApart from the waterlogged pits in south-west Durham, I understand that some eight collieries are now closed. Those in south-west Durham have been waterlogged for many years and I am advised that their reopening would be a major operation requiring considerable time and man-power, but in regard to all of these collieries, the primary consideration is the most effective use of the available men. My hon. Friend will of course appreciate that employment in the Durham coalfield is governed by other considerations additional to the maintenance of adequate pitroom.