§ MR. D. THOMAS (Merthyr Tydfil)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is the case that chain cables used by the Admiralty are subjected to a test or proof of efficiency before being used; and whether, in view of the number of accidents in mining shafts by the breakage of winding ropes and the consequent frequent loss of life, he will consider the advisability of placing in every colliery district means by which winding ropes may be tested for torsion and tension before being used for raising and lowering men from and to the mines?
§ MR. ASQUITHThe question of testing winding ropes used by the Admiralty has at various times been the subject of expert discussion, and considerable difference of opinion exists in regard to it. I may point out that relatively to the number of ropes in continuous use the number of accidents from breakages is small. The subject, however, is of great 1461 importance, and it will be further considered by the light of any fresh experience at the annual meeting of Her Majesty's Inspectors next month.