§ MR. WILLIAM CRAWFORD (Durham, Mid)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is in keeping with the provisions of "The Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887," to compel workmen to descend and ascend the shaft of a coal mine with loaded tubs in the same cage, or the companion cage running in the same shaft, as it is now done at the Wearmouth Colliery, in the county of Durham?
§ MR. MATTHEWSThere is nothing in the provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1887, to forbid the practice in question, which is regulated by special rules in the different collieries. In the Wear-mouth Colliery there is a special rule (established after discussions in which the men were represented) against Allowing men to descend or ascend with or against a loaded tub without permission; and I am informed that the permission given is in accordance with a practice which has prevailed there many years without accident.