§ MR. WOODS (Lancashire, Ince)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Order issued by him on the 24th December, 1892, certifying that the following processes were dangerous to health, namely, the manufacture of earthenware, the manufacture of explosives in which di-nitro-benzole is used (including ammonite, roburite, and bellite), chemical works, and quarries, whether he is, aware that these explosives are freely used in the coal mines in Lancashire, in some cases where the ventilation is in 677 sufficient to carry away the noxious and poisonous fumes; that in the opinion of the Lancashire Miners' Federation, after a lengthy investigation into the subject by experts, men are in many cases being slowly poisoned by breathing the emitted gases; and if he will cause an investigation into the whole subject with a view of giving the miners adequate protection against what they consider a deadly poison?
§ MR. ASQUITHIt has been brought to my notice that the use of roburite and explosives of a similar character is objected to by the Lancashire miners on the grounds stated in the question. The matter has been frequently considered, but I have directed further inquiries to be made, and I am not yet in a position to say whether a case has been made out for such an investigation as my hon. Friend desires.
§ MR. WOODSWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether the objection to the use of roburite comes from the employés or the Inspectors of Mines?
§ MR. ASQUITHThe whole of the circumstances will be inquired into.