§ MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N. W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If he will appoint some additional Inspectors of Mines in the Western District of Scotland?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E)In comparing the West Scotland district with the other coal-mining districts of the United Kingdom, I find that the proportion of accidents and deaths relatively to the number of men employed and the tons of coal raised is extremely favourable—in fact, more favourable than almost any other district. Every case of accident has been investigated by the Inspector, who has also found time, with the help of the Assistant Inspector, to make many underground examinations in cases where there are neither accidents nor complaints. Under these circumstances, I do not see that any present necessity exists for appointing additional Inspectors in that district.
§ MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAMasked, Whether the right hon. Gentleman had not given the House to understand that additional Inspectors would be appointed?
§ MR. MATTHEWSsaid, his memory did not serve him as to any undertaking that he might have given. Any undertaking he had given he would, of course, abide by. He had given the hon. Member the result of inquiries he had made since last Session; and he was happy to say that the West of Scotland came out most favourably.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked, if the right hon. Gentleman could tell the House how many pits there were, and how many Inspectors, in the district in question?
§ MR. MATTHEWSsaid he had the figures, but he was unable to carry them in his memory. If the hon. Member wished to know, he would tell him privately, or the hon. Member could put a Question on the Paper.