§ MR. KELLY (Camberwell, N.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he is aware that as yet the use of the electric light has been adopted only in very few mines in the United Kingdom, and whether, in view of the fact that its general use would certainly reduce the danger of explosives from fire-damp to a minimum, or even secure the most absolute immunity from them, he will state what steps, if any, he is prepared to take in order to induce colliery proprietors and others to allow no portable lamps, otherwise than such as may be lighted by electricity, to be used by persons in their employ; and, whether his attention has been called to the Eclipse Miner's Safety Lamp, recently exhibited for several days in Committee Room E, and if he is aware that the leading mining delegates have not only expressed their approval of this portable lamp, which gives a far better light than the Metzler or any other improved form of Davey's Safety Lamp, and one which cannot 283 under any circumstances create danger by exposure to fire-damp, but also their determination to insist upon its general use?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.), in reply, said, he was aware that the electric light had been little used in mines; but he looked forward to that light being one of the best safeguards against explosion. He had seen several electric lamps, including the "Eclipse," and what he had seen made him sanguine that the problem of constructing a safety lamp such as would satisfy practical requirements would shortly be solved, if it had not been solved already. He would be glad to do anything in his power, when such a lamp was invented, to induce mine owners to adopt it; and he rejoiced to hear that Mining Delegates would use their influence in the same direction.
§ MR. KELLYasked, whether the right hon. Gentleman could make arrangements for an exhibition of such portable electric lamps as would be useful in coal and other mines?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI am afraid I have no means at the Home Office to hold an exhibition either of lamps or any other articles.