§ 73. Mr. T. Smithasked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons killed and seriously injured this year, and the principal causes of the accidents?
§ Captain CrookshankThe total number killed this year up to 30th September was 607 and the number seriously injured was 2,455. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Captain CrookshankI am sorry to say that they show an increase. All the figures connected with coal show an increase—both accidents and employment.
§ Mr. BellengerIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the incidence of accidents in France is much lower than it is in this country?
§ Following is the information:
| Number of persons killed and seriously injured at mines under the Coal Mines Act during the nine months ended 30th September, 1937. | ||
| Place or Cause of Accident. | Number Killed. | Number Seriously Injured. |
| Underground: | ||
| Explosions of firedamp or coal dust | 49 | 40 |
| Falls of ground | 296 | 1,141 |
| Shaft accidents | 23 | 30 |
| Haulage accident | 127 | 590 |
| Miscellaneous | 59 | 426 |
| Total | 554 | 2,227 |
| Surface: | ||
| On railways, sidings or tramways | 19 | 75 |
| Other surface accidents | 34 | 153 |
| Total | 53 | 228 |
| Total (underground and surface) | 607 | 2,455 |