asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is proposed to take any special steps in regard to the 1,000 unemployed miners who were displaced by the closing down recently of the Hetton Lyons and Hazard collieries, in the county of Durham, and who have not been re-absorbed by neighbouring collieries?

Captain CROOKSHANK:

I regret that there are no special steps which I can take in the matter.

Has the Secretary for Mines appreciated the fact that the displacement of this large number of men will mean a further charge on a distressed area, and will he see whether any special steps can be taken by the Commissioner to alleviate the conditions?

Captain CROOKSHANK:

I have nothing to do directly with the Commissioner for the special area, but I have no doubt that the question of the hon. Member will draw his attention to this matter.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that the Commissioner for the distressed area seems to have nothing to do in the area?